Carlos Sainz’s unheard Monaco Grand Prix radio message highlighted exactly what the FIA got wrong with its two-stop rule change

Formula 1 has tried plenty of interesting variations of its current ruleset over the years and another of those was introduced at the Monaco Grand Prix.

For the first time, the Monaco Grand Prix saw every driver required to pit twice to try and create more excitement after last year’s race created history for all of the wrong reasons.

The top 10 drivers all finished where they started in 2024, and despite the new ruleset, that nearly happened on Sunday.

Fernando Alonso’s unfortunate retirement shifted every driver up a position, while Lewis Hamilton managed to leapfrog Isack Hadjar.

However, aside from that, the main talking point was the bizarre tactics some teams implement to protect, or ultimately lose, their positions.

Despite Hadjar not being able to hold off Hamilton, Liam Lawson’s incredible defensive driving allowed him to pit twice before most drivers had stopped once to secure sixth place.

On the other side of the coin, Mercedes delayed their pit stops for as long as possible as they watched their hopes of scoring points evaporate.

Williams had to endure Racing Bulls slowing tactics first-hand, with Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz stuck directly behind the New Zealander.

The Spaniard performed a similar duty to Lawson to help Albon secure two points but wasn’t happy on the team radio at the end of the Grand Prix.

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Carlos Sainz furious with Monaco Grand Prix racing tactics

During the first stint when Sainz was stuck in the train of drivers behind Liam Lawson, he said on the radio: “Just for me to understand, why are we not doing the same with Alex?

“I don’t understand, why am I on the hard [tyres]?”

Sainz was assured it was the best strategy for both cars, but he was far from impressed.

At the end of the race, the Spanish driver was delivered a message by the team and they said: “Well, it was not the most fun out there, but once Lawson was doing what he was doing, we were trapped.

“If we had done anything differently, Mercedes would have done to us what we’ve done to them.

“That was the best outcome from that point, really. Painful but the best outcome, so P9, P10, good job, mate.”

He then insisted that his frustration wasn’t aimed at the team before announcing: “I guess it’s a terrible day for racing in general, but I guess we’ll manage.”

James Vowles then came on the team radio and explained: “Well done, Carlos. I don’t think anyone enjoyed racing this way but thank you very much for playing the team game.

“You did a great job with Alex. It’s valuable points that I think will make a difference in the season.”

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Alex Albon continues to open up his lead over Carlos Sainz in the drivers’ championship

Williams currently sit fifth in the constructors’ championship, and despite Racing Bulls and Haas putting a dent in their lead in Monaco, they still have a significant advantage over the rest of the midfield.

However, it was another instance of Albon finishing ahead of his teammate, even if Sainz had to be asked to hand the place back to the Thai driver.

It means Albon now has a 30-point advantage over the Williams newcomer despite many believing that Sainz would have the upper hand after his move from Ferrari.

Jolyon Palmer thinks Sainz will be getting frustrated that he can’t match his new teammate yet, although his anger on Sunday was more to do with how slow the race was run in front of him.

Williams don’t have high hopes for the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix due to the layout of the circuit, but it’s unlikely they expected to have already passed the 50-point barrier after eight race weekends.