F1 News
Carlos Sainz explains origin of “Smooth Operator” joke
- Bevan Youl
McLaren’s Carlos Sainz has explained the origin of his “Smooth Operator” messages and how it became a running joke between him and his team throughout the 2019 Formula 1 season.
After finishing the Hungarian Grand Prix in fifth Sainz had an exchange with his radio engineer where he said, ‘Thomas, you know what that was,’ going on to sing the 1984 song by Sade.
The Spaniard repeated it a couple of times throughout the season, including after finishing fourth in Brazil, later being promoted to third after Lewis Hamilton was penalised for hitting Alex Albon.
Sainz revealed that the British GP was where it all started, originally not knowing what a ‘Smooth Operator’ meant.
“Just a song that kept coming up on the radio of the car [during] the British Grand Prix [weekend],” he told Motorsport.com.
“I just started hearing it on the radio. And apparently it is quite a bit famous song."
“After the race [at the Hungaroring] I sang this song, without knowing what a smooth operator was. Then people in the team started telling me what was a smooth operator.
“And then I realised, well, maybe I can attribute myself that and start creating a bit of a joke around me.
“But uh, I didn't sing it because I considered myself a smooth operator, because I didn't know what a Smooth Operator was.”