Sainz Criticizes Verstappen's Borderline Miami GP Overtake

Carlos Sainz criticized Max Verstappen's aggressive overtake on him during the opening lap of the Miami Grand Prix, calling it borderline after the Red Bull driver forced the Williams racer off track while recovering from an early spin.

The incident occurred on Sunday at the Miami International Autodrome during the fourth round of the 2026 Formula 1 season. Verstappen, who started second after qualifying on the front row alongside Kimi Antonelli, spun on the exit of Turn 2 while battling for the lead. He dropped to the back of the field following an early pit stop for hard tires under the safety car and began carving through midfield traffic.

Approaching the final hairpin at Turn 17, Verstappen dived inside Sainz from a distance, prompting the Spaniard to straightline and avoid contact. Sainz vented over team radio, "He pushed me off. He thinks he can do whatever he wants because he's racing the midfield." The move cost Sainz three positions as teammate Alex Albon and Alpine's Pierre Gasly passed him.

Post-race, Sainz elaborated to reporters. "No disrespect, but what he did into Turn 17 is almost like a launch, knowing that because we're the midfield, we're not going to fight him...