The possibility of Carlos Sainz competing in the Monaco Grand Prix has been questioned following reports that he hurt himself playing soccer for charity.
Carlos Sainz’s chance to race in the Monaco Grand Prix may be in jeopardy after he was captured on camera seeking treatment for his leg during a charity football game.
Sainz was among the F1 drivers that participated, along with his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc and Alpine’s Pierre Gasly. However, the Spaniard’s participation in this weekend’s grand prix is now in doubt after he was spotted having treatment on his right thigh.
The Ferrari driver was pulled out of the game just after the hour mark, and was later spotted sitting on the bench with a worried expression on his face and wrapping around his leg.
Ferrari has not officially mentioned the issue, so it is unclear how serious the injury is, although Sainz has two days to recover before Friday’s first practice session. If Sainz were to be ruled out, Antonio Giovinazzi, who also participated in the game, might make his F1 comeback, or Robert Shwartzman.
Ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, drivers and other F1 staff compete against a “Star” squad in the annual charity football match presented by the Children Sports Association. Leclerc was chosen to lead a team that includes F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and drivers like Pierre Gasly and Fernando Alonso.
Leclerc had a wonderful chance to score earlier in the game as Sainz ran down the wing and crossed, but the Monegasque blew his pass and fired the ball straight at the goalie.
Sainz will not only be trying to stay healthy for the weekend, but he also needs to put up a solid performance after a report this week said Ferrari was planning to replace the Spaniard with Lewis Hamilton.
The 28-year-old Sainz is currently fifth in the driver standings this season as Ferrari struggles to match the pace of Red Bull, the current leaders.
This season, the former McLaren driver has yet to score a podium finish. His P4 result at the Bahrain Grand Prix on the opening weekend is the best performance so far.
