Carlos Sainz Spotted Inspecting Rival F1 Cars in Las Vegas Parc Ferme
Untelvised footage from the Las Vegas Grand Prix showed Carlos Sainz conducting a detailed post-race inspection of rival cars, including Max Verstappen's Red Bull and Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari, in parc ferme. This behind-the-scenes look highlights the constant technical scrutiny in F1, especially as Sainz's strong performance continues to boost Williams' best season since 2017.
Untelevised footage from the Las Vegas Grand Prix revealed Carlos Sainz conducting a post-race inspection of several rival cars, including those of Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, and Lando Norris, in parc ferme. This comes as Sainz has had a strong second half of the 2025 season with Williams, securing two podiums.
Why it matters:
Carlos Sainz's detailed inspection highlights the intense competitive environment in Formula 1, where teams constantly seek to understand and gain an edge from rivals' designs. His actions underscore the engineering arms race beneath the surface of the on-track battles, especially as Williams aims to solidify its best constructors' finish since 2017.
The Details:
- Post-Race Scrutiny: After finishing fifth in the Las Vegas GP (following the disqualification of Norris and Piastri), Sainz was seen meticulously examining the front ends of various cars, including Verstappen's Red Bull, Hamilton's Ferrari, and Norris's McLaren.
- Common Practice: This type of inspection is a common, albeit often untelevised, practice in F1. Drivers and team representatives, such as Aston Martin's Adrian Newey, frequently study competitors' cars to gather insights into aerodynamic solutions and overall design philosophies.
- Williams' Strong Season: Sainz's P5 finish in Vegas further strengthens Williams' position in the Constructors' Championship, holding a 31-point lead over Racing Bulls. This result contributes to their best season since 2017, marked by podium finishes in Azerbaijan and the United States GP sprint race.
- McLaren's Disqualification: The inspection occurred shortly before Norris and Piastri's disqualification due to excessive skid-block wear. McLaren team principal Andrea Stella attributed this to unexpected, high levels of porpoising during the race, potentially exacerbated by accidental damage and limited practice due to track issues.
The Big Picture:
Carlos Sainz's proactive inspection after the Las Vegas GP, particularly focusing on the front ends of top cars, signals the depth of technical reconnaissance in F1. This continuous observation and adaptation of engineering concepts are fundamental to competitive success, with every detail potentially offering an advantage. For Williams, Sainz's insights could prove invaluable as they push for a strong finish to their impressive season.
What's next:
With two races remaining in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, Williams will be looking to capitalize on their strong form and Sainz's contributions to secure fifth place in the Constructors' Championship. The ongoing technical analysis, exemplified by Sainz's parc ferme activities, will continue behind the scenes as teams prepare for the final challenges of the season and look ahead to 2026 regulations.