Carlos Sainz Jr explains what could have prevented Hamilton and Verstappen controversy

George Russell joins Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes

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Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton’s enthralling battle in the Brazilian Grand Prix brought about plenty of debate for fans and pundits alike. Their battle on Turn four was talked about in depth – and now Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz Jr has given his opinion, calling for the turn to be addressed after he deemed it was extremely dangerous for all drivers on Sunday.

Sainz, 27, has raced for Toro Rosso, Renault, McLaren and Ferrari since his F1 debut in 2015.

Securing 138 entries and five podiums, the Spaniard is one of the most sought-after drivers in the world, currently sitting seventh in this season’s Drivers’ Championship.

Having moved to Ferrari in the summer, Sainz is well aware of what makes and breaks a circuit.

And the Madrid-born racer believes that the reason Verstappen and Hamilton clashed on Turn four was because of poor designs – insisting a gravel trap would prevent any errors.

“I personally think that this issue would be solved with a gravel trap on the exit of Turn four,” said Sainz.

“I think you also saw at the start a few cars – including ourselves – going wide in Turn four.

“If there had been a gravel trap, we wouldn’t have gone there.

“And instead of actually it being an issue for the stewards, if you put a gravel trap there, it wouldn’t be an issue for the stewards, for Michael [Masi, FIA race director], for Lewis, for Max or for us.

“We keep asking for gravel traps and we hope that in the future, especially at a track like Sao Paulo where MotoGP is not running, because we would never brake so late into Turn four.”

Sainz came third to Verstappen and Hamilton in Russia just under two months ago.

And with just 14 points separating the duo, there is not much room for serious error for either driver.

Hamilton is in search of a record eighth title in the Drivers’ Championship, looking to beat the record he and Michael Schumacher share.

And Verstappen is looking to win his first at the age of just 24 – a year older than Hamilton was when he won his first.

The Qatar Grand Prix is the next meeting this Sunday, as Verstappen looks to pull ahead of Hamilton in the race for the title.

However, the Brit will look to take inspiration from his Brazilian win on Sunday.

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