Sainz rubbishes rumors of 'injury' and Monaco pull-out

Carlos Sainz has set the record straight regarding a minor injury sustained in a football match on Tuesday which led to rumors that he could be forced to pull out of this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix.

Along with Charles Leclerc and Pierre Gasly, Sainz took part in H.S.H. Prince Albert's annual charity football match in Monaco that traditionally leads into the race weekend in the Principality.

Unfortunately, the Spaniard was forced to leave the pitch in the game's second half-time after a heavy contact left his right thigh battered and bruised.

Posts on social media suggested that the Ferrari charger's race weekend was in jeopardy, and when the silly speculation got out of hand, Sainz chimed in to dismiss the hearsay.

"Hi everyone. Just wanted to let you know that I am well and completely ready to race this weekend in Monaco," Sainz wrote on Instagram.

"What happened yesterday was simply a contact during the traditional charity football match, but it was not an injury.

"I enjoyed playing football as I always do and now I am really looking forward to the weekend."

Read also: F1 drivers kick off Monaco race week on the football pitch

After last weekend’s Grand Prix at Imola had to be cancelled, the F1 action resumes with what is now the sixth round of the championship.

Both Sainz and Leclerc - the latter racing on home soil - will be looking to turn around the Scuderia's fortunes after a disappointing start to the team's 2023 campaign.

"Together with Charles and Carlos we have prepared this weekend in detail in order to make the most of every opportunity this tricky track could provide," commented Scuderia boss Fred Vasseur.

"Both our drivers love it – Charles has been on pole for the past two years and Carlos has always finished on the podium in Monaco since he joined the Scuderia – and we will be giving our all to deliver a good result for our tifosi."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.