Carlos Sainz: “I see them very convinced, but it is hard for me to believe that we compete in the Middle East because many things continue to happen. The other plan is Imola, so we will freeze”
The end of the calendar F1 World Cup remains a mystery. FIA and F1 continue to insist that the initial plan of holding the last two races will be fulfilled of the year in Qatar (November 29) and Abu Dhabi (December 6) as planned, despite the conflict in the Middle East. However, at the press conference prior to the United States GP, when Carlos Sainz, Oscar Piastri and Isack Hadjar were asked about it, the Madrid native showed his doubts about it.
“I see them very convinced that they are going to compete there. Personally, and I am not speaking as president of the GPDA, it is difficult for me to believe it because many things continue to happen in the Middle East and also, obviously, There are elections in the United States and perhaps politics could affect the next month or month and a half very suddenly.”Carlos commented.
And he continued with his reflection. “I think that conviction is premature. Right now we are going to go to Qatar and Abu Dhabi if F1 and the FIA decide that it is still safe and that it is going to be a good scenario. We as pilots will have to comply with what they say. We don’t have as much political information as they do.so we will have to trust their decisions. This is my opinion, but The world can change a lot in the next month or month and a half and we have to be diligent and react to what may happen. And not go alone (to Qatar and Abu Dhabi) because right now we want to go,” he added.
There are elections in the United States and perhaps politics could affect the next month or month and a half very suddenly. I think that conviction is premature.
“I trust the FIA and F1. There have been complicated situations in the past and I trust them. I will listen to their advice,” said Piastri, without getting too wet.
“It’s something that is out of my control, so I will drive on the circuit I have to drive on,” Hadjar added.
Imola and the cold in December, the alternative
Of course, when asked about a plan B, everyone was clear that the alternative is Imola. Hadjar began to answer. “It’s Imola, right? Isn’t that the plan? I think”said the Red Bull man.
“The weather is good in Australia at this time of year. I don’t know, maybe we have to take out the snow plows in Imola… But hey, I don’t know. Let F1 and the FIA decide and I think yes, that Imola is the replacement, but I hope the temperature is above zerothat’s all I ask,” said Australian Piastri, highlighting the difficulties that could be encountered when driving at Imola in December, with cold and fog.
Maybe the snow plows need to be removed in Imola… I think it’s the replacement. I hope the temperature is above zero, that’s all I ask
“The plan is Imola, I think, so we will freeze there and end the year cold,” commented Sainz.
The plan is Imola, I think, so we’ll freeze there and end the year cold
Before, to Carlosas president of the GPDA (Pilots Association), they asked him if pilots should have more of a say in these types of important decisions.
The GPDA is united, but we don’t have half the information that the FIA and F1 have regarding the political battles being fought around the world.
“The GPDA is united, but we don’t have half the information that the FIA and F1 have in terms of the political battles that are being fought in the world. The GPDA can help a lot when it comes to understanding the sport or making the FIA and F1 understand the sport, how to improve racing, what needs to change about a circuit for safety… but “On political issues, none of them have the contacts and information of F1 and the FIA.”said the Spaniard.
“We have to trust the decision that the FIA and F1 make on this issue. But “You have to be reactive and see how the situation progresses and, above all, make the right decision when the time comes”Carlos concluded.
