Sainz would understand team orders: 'But this is what you want to see'

Carlos Sainz grabbed pole position at Monza and also managed his first podium of 2023. The Ferrari Spanish driver beat his teammate Charles Leclerc in a thrilling battle in the closing stages. The Italian race fans thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

And that pleases Sainz. For instance, the Spaniard said after the race that he would have understood had his team intervened. The battle was for third place, but was a solid duel between the two teammates, with a high risk of a disastrous finish.

Sainz: "I would have understood it both ways. If they would have given team orders I would have understood. If I would have been Charles trying to get a podium, obviously I wouldn't have liked the team orders. So it completely depends on the position you're in."

The Ferrari driver really enjoyed the fight with his teammate, but also says it was risky. Sainz continued: "I think it was on the limit but it was a nice teammate, hard F1 battle which in the end is also what you guys want to see. I had fun doing it."