Ferrari F1 driver Carlos Sainz recently made some brave comments over the ongoing Brazilian GP row. The sport has seen a rise in deliberate crashes in the sport in the last few years, according to the Ferrari driver. The statements have come amid Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen’s Red Bull controversy.

In a report published by the GPFans, the Spanish driver conveyed, “I have seen over the last few years a lot more playing around with it than what you might even have picked out in the media.” When asked if this was about Perez’s Monaco GP crash, he clarified, “I’m not going to comment whether it [Perez’s crash in Monaco] was on purpose or not.”

“I think all 20 drivers when we analyze these kinds of incidents, we know immediately if the driver has done it on purpose or not because we are not stupid,” further stated the former McLaren driver. However, it is hard to prove that these crashes are deliberate, as the team and driver are supposed to be penalized for their wrongdoings.

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One proven example of a deliberate crash was the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix. Known as the Crashgate scandal, Nelson Piquet Jr. intentionally crashed his Renault against the wall to give an impetus to his teammate Fernando Alonso. Ultimately, Alonso came out as the winner in Singapore. When F1 found out about it, Renault was suspended for two years.

Carlos Sainz commented amid Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez’s Red Bull controversy

Max Verstappen landed himself in hot waters after he denied Red Bull’s call in the recently concluded Brazilian Grand Prix. The Dutchman paid no heed as Gianpiero Lambiase gave repeated calls on the radio to let his teammate Sergio Perez through.

The race at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace saw Verstappen denying a clear pass to Checo. And, when asked, he gave his “reasons” for it. This made the Dutch driver an instant villain to worldwide fans. However, Verstappen since has stood by his statements.

Verstappen is of the opinion that Sergio Perez deliberately crashed in the 2022 Monaco GP qualifying. The resultant crash hampered Verstappen’s chances to better his time and, eventually, had to start the race behind Perez.

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Checo ultimately won the race ahead of Carlos Sainz, whereas Verstappen finished in P3. Verstappen believes Checo indirectly denied him a chance to the race win. It’s not sure if Perez deliberately crashed or Verstappen knows it for real. It’s interesting to see how Red Bull manages the Dutchman. Success at it might decide whether the Mexican can pick up P2 in the driver’s standings.