Sainz Reveals Trick Behind Brazil GP Parade 'Podium'

Carlos Sainz and Alexander Albon pulled off an unexpected 'podium' finish during the Sao Paulo Grand Prix drivers' parade by taking a clever shortcut, outsmarting rivals despite their less powerful soapbox car. Sainz humorously called it 'the most important race of the weekend,' prioritizing safety and an early finish over a full lap.

Why it matters:

• The drivers' parade, usually a ceremonial lap, turned into an impromptu 'race' for some, highlighting the competitive spirit even in a relaxed setting.
• Sainz's clever maneuver showcases quick thinking and a strategic mindset, even outside the pressures of a Grand Prix race.
• The incident offers a lighthearted glimpse into the drivers' personalities and their interactions off the main track, providing fan engagement beyond the serious racing.

The Details:

• During the Sao Paulo GP drivers' parade, F1 drivers used soapbox cars on the Interlagos track, leading to humorous incidents like George Russell's Mercedes breaking down.
• Carlos Sainz, riding shotgun with Alexander Albon in a Williams soapbox, realized their car wasn't the most powerful, especially compared to Ferrari and Alpine.
• Concerned about safety in the co-driver's seat without seatbelts, Sainz noticed other drivers 'pushing flat out' as if it were a real race.
• The Shortcut: Sainz spotted an opportunity to cut across the infield from Turn 4 directly to Turn 12, effectively skipping the entire Sector 2.
  • This 'bumpy road in the middle of the grass' allowed them to avoid a significant portion of the track.
• Despite missing out on interacting with some fans, their strategic shortcut landed them a third-place finish in the parade, behind Alpine and Ferrari.
• Sainz jokingly referred to this as his 'second podium' of the year, after his official podium finish at the Azerbaijan GP.

What's next:

While this was a moment of levity, it underscores the drivers' innate competitive drive that always shines through. Fans can look forward to more insights into the F1 paddock through various media channels, which often capture these lighter, yet still competitive, moments between races.