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Carlos Sainz Demands FIA Investigation Over Monaco GP Tactics Allegedly Manipulating Race Results
The 2025 Monaco Grand Prix has sparked controversy, with Williams driver Carlos Sainz calling on the FIA to investigate what he described as unfair tactics that may have influenced the final outcome. The event, won by McLaren’s Lando Norris—marking his maiden victory at the historic circuit—was overshadowed by mid-race strategies that raised eyebrows in the paddock, particularly among those battling in the midfield.
A new regulation introduced this season required all drivers to complete at least two pit stops, adding a fresh layer of complexity to team strategies. However, at a circuit like Monaco—infamous for its tight layout and minimal overtaking opportunities—this rule created opportunities for potential manipulation. Teams began to exploit the rule by deliberately slowing their drivers to disrupt those behind, helping their teammates create advantageous gaps for pit stops.
Sainz specifically pointed the finger at Racing Bulls, claiming that Liam Lawson intentionally drove well below race pace to benefit his teammate, Isack Hadjar. According to Sainz, Lawson’s tactic allowed Hadjar to open up a significant gap, enabling him to complete his two mandatory pit stops without losing track position. This maneuver ultimately helped Hadjar secure a strong P5 finish, while disadvantaging those behind—Sainz included.
“We were driving four seconds off the pace at certain points,” Sainz stated after the race. “We were victims of Lawson, who lost nearly 40 seconds to Hadjar on purpose. That allowed Hadjar to pit twice without traffic and finish P5. This isn’t racing—it’s manipulating the outcome.”
Sainz revealed that even Williams had to adopt similar tactics later in the race just to remain competitive, suggesting that the situation was becoming a trend rather than an isolated incident. He urged the FIA to step in and evaluate whether these strategies violate the spirit of fair competition.
While no official protest has been filed yet, Sainz’s public criticism places pressure on motorsport’s governing body to respond. The integrity of race strategy and sporting fairness could be at stake, especially with teams now exploring creative interpretations of rules to gain the upper hand.
The FIA has not yet commented on the issue, but with increasing scrutiny on how the new pit stop regulation impacts the quality of racing—especially on street circuits like Monaco—this incident may prompt a closer review ahead of upcoming Grands Prix.
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