Carlos Sainz Criticizes Hamilton After Miami Gp… Read more
Carlos Sainz expressed frustration following a wheel-banging incident with Lewis Hamilton during the final lap of the 2025 Miami Grand Prix, calling the move “quite typical” and suggesting Hamilton’s actions were outside the rules — even if not unusual in the heat of racing.
The incident occurred after Ferrari ordered a late-race position swap between Sainz and Charles Leclerc, initially allowing Leclerc to pass for strategic reasons, only to reverse the order near the race’s end. That left Sainz right behind Hamilton as the race entered its final lap, with the Spaniard seeking to reclaim ground lost earlier.
As they approached Turn 17 of the Miami Autodrome, Sainz dove up the inside of Hamilton in a bold overtaking attempt. However, Hamilton turned in just as Sainz made his move, and the two cars collided wheel-to-wheel. While both drivers finished the race — Hamilton in seventh and Sainz in eighth — the clash sparked immediate radio frustration from the Spaniard, who said Hamilton “moved a bit under braking.”
Speaking to the media after the race, Sainz stood by his complaint, saying Hamilton reacted defensively when he saw him make the lunge. “I think he obviously was doing the best he could to defend,” said Sainz. “He moved as soon as he saw me dive. And that created contact, which I think is quite typical, honestly.”
Although he admitted such aggressive driving is common on the final lap, Sainz still argued that Hamilton’s movement may have gone against racing regulations. “If you follow exactly the rule book, he cannot move as much as he did. But on the last lap, that’s how it goes,” he said.
Despite Sainz’s interpretation, the FIA stewards decided no penalty was warranted. According to their verdict, both drivers were partially responsible. “Car 55 attempted an overtake on the inside of Car 44 into Turn 17 and both cars made contact at the apex,” the statement read. “The Stewards determine that both drivers contributed to the incident… Car 55 did not clearly get in a position to have the right to the racing line… and at the same time Car 44 turned into the corner earlier than usual and therefore impacted the driver of Car 55 in his overtaking attempt.”
As neither driver was deemed predominantly at fault, no further action was taken.
The race rounded off a frustrating Sunday for Sainz, who had a tough start due to multiple setbacks. Beginning the Grand Prix on used tyres that had already seen action in qualifying, he also suffered minor damage from a first-lap incident with team-mate Alex Albon. While Albon recovered to finish an impressive fifth, Sainz could manage only seventh place, which later became eighth after his battle with Hamilton.
Reflecting on the race, Sainz remained optimistic about Williams’ progress this season despite the missed opportunity in Miami. “We were in the battle with Mercedes and Ferrari, which is really encouraging,” he said. “With a new tyre and no damage in the car, I truly believe I would have been fighting for P5. So I’m disappointed that we didn’t maximise our potential.”
He admitted that operational mistakes played a role in the underwhelming result and called for improvements. “Too many operational errors. We will look back and see how we can improve, because next time we have this competitive car, I want to be the one maximising it.”
The result marked Williams’ third double points finish in just six races this season, helping them secure fifth place in the Constructors’ Championship — a position they haven’t held since 2017.
Albon, now in his fourth season with Williams, highlighted the car’s improved handling as a key factor in the team’s recent success. He explained that the FW47 is now significantly more driveable and consistent, especially under changing conditions. “It’s less snappy, more predictable, and less sensitive to wind changes,” he said. “That makes it easier to push the limits and deliver consistent laps.”
Albon also praised the team’s offseason development. “I was confident we’d make progress,” he stated. “We changed the car’s philosophy, and when we tried it in the simulator, it felt better — but we’ve actually found more pace in real life than expected. That’s rare and a really positive sign.”
As the season progresses, both Sainz and Albon are hopeful that Williams can maintain their upward trajectory and continue to challenge top-tier teams in Formula 1’s competitive midfield.
