Verstappen and Sainz slate 'conservative' approach to Miami GP

Carlos Sainz and Max Verstappen have knocked Pirelli's approach to the Miami Grand Prix, suggesting F1's tyre provider has opted to be too "conservative."

Despite drivers struggling to get their tyres to last a whole push lap in qualifying, the pair have criticised what will likely be a one-stop grand prix for the third season in a row, wagering that Pirelli has made the wrong choice with its tyre selection.

Twelve months ago, Sainz fell back during the race due to difficulties in getting the most out of his tyres, an issue Ferrari struggled with all season. The 29-year-old had started in third, but dropped to fifth at the chequered flag as George Russell and Verstappen fought their way past him.

"Unfortunately, I think the tyre compounds are a bit on the conservative side for this grand prix," Sainz told media including RacingNews365.

"I think we could have done with softer compounds and maybe a bit more strategy variability. I don't expect much difference to last year."

'It's not really that challenging for the teams and drivers'

Last season, Verstappen was able to pick his way through the sharp end of the field, ultimately taking victory from team-mate Sergio Perez, despite starting ninth whilst the Mexican began the race on pole.

The three-time F1 champion agreed with Sainz, the only driver to beat him in a grand prix over the last 12 months.

"I think they are conservative," he said to media, including RacingNews365. "But, at the same time, they're already overheating.

"I would like more races that are two stops, three stops. I think it's a lot more fun than having a straightforward one-stop. It's not really that challenging for the teams and drivers.

"When you have a race like in China, you can do a two-stop - I think it just opens up a bit more flexibility in the pit windows and it's a lot more fun.

"Maybe we could try to go softer, but we have speak to Pirelli about that. I don't know if they want to do that."