“I don’t understand why there's a rule book and we don’t follow it”: Carlos Sainz on Lewis Hamilton escaping penalty at the Spanish GP

Carlos Sainz was seemingly unhappy at the Steward's decision during the 2024 Spanish Grand Prix race. The Ferrari driver got involved in a wheel-to-wheel tussle with Lewis Hamilton during the race and lost his place, which he felt was unjustified.

During Lap 19 of the race, Sainz and Hamilton locked themselves up in a battle for P6. The Mercedes driver was trailing in P7 and was waiting for an opportunity to overtake the Ferrari star. As Sainz arrived at the DRS zone, Hamilton seized the opportunity to close down the gap and go for the opening.

In doing so, Sainz and Hamilton came side-by-side. However, Hamilton's W15 edged past Sainz's SF-24 after squeezing the latter at Turn 1. As Hamilton had his nose in front, he went on to take the position and powered away.

Immediately after the incident, the Spanish driver protested on the radio. He asked his race engineer, Riccardo Adami, to look at the situation, which the latter did, but to no avail. Adami responded,

"They [the FIA] reported no further investigation. I know it's harsh. But let's go. Our race."

This left Carlos Sainz far from impressed. He immediately turned furious and said,

"I don't understand why there's a rulebook, and we don't follow it."

Formula 1 is in Spain for the tenth race of the 2024 season, as Lando Norris started the race from pole position. He was followed by Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton from P2, and P3, respectively. Carlos Sainz started the race from P6.

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Spanish GP is an important one for Carlos Sainz and Lewis Hamilton

Carlos Sainz of Spain driving (55) the Ferrari SF-24 leads Charles Leclerc of Monaco driving the (16) Ferrari SF-24 during the F1 Grand Prix of Spain at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya

The Spanish Grand Prix is a very important race for Carlos Sainz and Lewis Hamilton, as well as their respective teams. Sainz, who is currently P4 in the Drivers' Championship with 108 points, would be hoping for a good points finish as that would see him keep his place from Sergio Perez, who trails narrowly at P5 with 107 points.

On the other hand, Lewis Hamilton is in P8 with 55 points after nine races. A finish within the top five could prove pivotal in his bid to keep within his teammate George Russell, who is in P7 with 69 points.