Sainz blames Piastri inexperience for Belgian GP collision

Carlos Sainz has blamed Oscar Piastri for their collision at Turn 1 which caused him to retire from the Belgian Grand Prix.

The Ferrari driver had a good start off the line and was alongside Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes but had to avoid him into the tight La Source hairpin.

Piastri was on the inside of Sainz at the apex and the pair collided causing significant damage to the Ferrari's sidepod as well as the McLaren's steering.

After both cars ultimately retired, Sainz told media, including RacingNews365: "I think Oscar was trying to do a bit of an optimistic move on me.

"A bit of a shame because when you review the past races here at Spa and you know what has been the typical Turn 1 incident, this is exactly that.

"Everyone who tries the inside lane into Turn 1 normally generates an incident or a crash and this time it was my turn to receive it."

Sainz: At some point, somebody needs to back out

The stewards determined that there was no further action needed after investigating the incident but Sainz said: "I didn't go deep, I made the apex perfectly and passed Lewis if you look at my onboard. Yes, I do lock up, but I don't move deep into the corner.

"At some point, someone needs to back out. And he's the guy who is alongside my rear right that I think needs to back off. not me and let him pass me into Turn 1, especially when I'm pretty much having my move done with Lewis.

Sainz had significant damage to his sidepod after the crash, which caused him to tumble down the order before finally retiring midway through the race.

"It was pretty much undrivable but we kept it going and never give up in case there was a red flag and the rain passed," he explained.

"But the rain passed and there was no red flag, so we retired."