FIA's "strange" safety car call "something to look at" - Sainz

Carlos Sainz has called on the FIA to look at the procedures that allowed the end of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to end in controversy.

Ferrari driver Sainz finished the race at Yas Marina third after a farcical finish that saw backmarkers instructed first to remain in formation behind the safety car before being permitted to unlap themselves one and a half laps from the finish.

In the confusion, only five cars were able to unlap themselves - the five between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen - with the rest remaining in-line.

Whilst the controversy affected the destination of the drivers' title, Sainz indicated his race was almost adversely affected by the decision to get racing back underway.

"It was certainly a very strange situation for me," said Sainz.

"I was obviously battling with Valtteri [Bottas] and the AlphaTauri's behind with a medium tyre whilst I was on a very used hard tyre.

"At the beginning, I was told they would not be allowed to un-lap themselves, the group in front of me, then it was decided to un-lap themselves and some people un-lapped themselves but there was still, I think an Aston Martin and a McLaren, Ricciardo, between the two leaders and myself.

"I have never had it before, having to restart the race with these two guys in front of me while fighting for a P3.

"I do believe it was a strange one and something to look at because it was just very strange to see and it nearly cost me a podium, to be honest."

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

US star turned down Red Bull F1 contract: 'This is why I didn't sign it'

• 3 hours ago

Sky Sports F1 pundit stars in James Bond movie

• Yesterday 22:42

Red Bull copy Ferrari as major 2026 upgrade revealed

• Yesterday 21:56

'F1 used to be pure but the races were boring': Star claps back at Max Verstappen moans

• Yesterday 21:30

Mercedes beware: McLaren are bringing ‘a completely new car’ to the Miami Grand Prix

• Yesterday 20:45

Commentators give Max Verstappen new nickname after 'impossible' Nürburgring move

• Yesterday 20:00