Massa accuses Sainz Jr of deliberately blocking him

For his last participation in his national Grand Prix, Felipe Massa (Williams) dominated his teammate Lance stroll during qualifying in Sao Paulo (Brazil, 17th). Nevertheless, despite a 10th time, the experienced Paulist stormed against the attitude, according to him, to be unsporting. Carlos Sainz Jr (Renault, 9th).

“In Q1, as in Q2, I was very satisfied with my car”, explained Felipe Massa on Saturday evening. “Unfortunately, during the final phase, Carlos ruined my round on purpose. It's really incredible because when you make a mistake, when you don't see the car in your mirrors, this can happen. But voluntarily, it’s simply “no”. »

The 2008 world vice-champion spoke with the Spaniard after the session. “I pointed out to him that he had slowed me down, that he had seen me getting closer. He replied, “Yes, I know, but you’ve also been bothering me since the beginning of the weekend. » I asked when, and he said, “During the long relay Friday afternoon. » »

After qualifying P10 at his final home Grand Prix, @ MassaFelipe19 was smoking at Carlos Sainz…#BrazilGP pic.twitter.com/EptHMQobj6

— Formula 1 (@F1) November 11, 2017

Felipe Massa does not mince his words towards his opponent. “He did it on purpose, in my opinion it’s totally unacceptable. It ruined my end of the session, and the opportunity to maybe finish in the Top 5.” The new Renault recruit rejects these accusations outright. “What I am certain of is that he could have gotten out of my way before turn 4. I had to complete that turn behind him, which cost me two or three tenths in the first practice in Q3 », analyzes Carlos Sainz Jr.

The Spaniard does not understand such speech from of the future retiree of F1. “He started complaining, and I don’t even know why. I didn't really pay attention, it's not worth it. I would never have taken the risk of penalizing someone in qualifying practice. »