Carlos Sainz has criticised Max Verstappen’s opening-lap move at the 2026 Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, describing it as borderline during a midfield battle.
The incident occurred at Turn 17 when the Red Bull Racing driver attempted to recover positions following his early spin. Verstappen dived down the inside, forcing the Williams driver wide and costing him multiple positions in a single sequence.
Under FIA Driving Standards Guidelines, overtaking drivers must leave sufficient room if the rival has established overlap before the apex. In this case, Verstappen’s higher entry speed and aggressive approach increased the likelihood of contact or loss of control.
The move compromised Sainz’s strong start, leaving him vulnerable to pressure from surrounding cars, including team-mate Alex Albon. Despite this setback, Williams secured a double points finish, highlighting consistent midfield competitiveness.
“Verstappen made a pretty crazy move into Turn 17, almost pushing me off track,” Sainz said.
“What he did was borderline. It felt like he knew we wouldn’t fight because we’re in the midfield, but at that moment it felt like we were going to crash and I lost three positions.”
Sainz also pointed to the overall intensity of racing in Miami, where multiple aggressive moves reflected the high-pressure nature of midfield competition. The circuit’s layout, particularly in tighter sections, amplified the risk of wheel-to-wheel contact.
Verstappen ultimately finished fifth after receiving a five-second penalty for a pit-exit infringement, which did not alter his final classification. The incident highlights the complex dynamics between front-running cars and midfield competitors, a factor likely to remain influential in upcoming races.
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