Sainz penalized for obstructing Hamilton, drops to 15th for Japanese GP start

Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool

SUZUKA, Japan -- Williams driver Carlos Sainz has received a three-place grid penalty and will start the Japanese Grand Prix from 15th position after impeding Lewis Hamilton during qualifying.

Sainz originally qualified 12th but was penalized for obstructing Hamilton as the Mercedes driver approached Turn 1 in Q2. This forced Hamilton's Ferrari across the curb and off the track. Hamilton, who had started a flying lap, eventually managed to secure an eighth-place qualifying position, while Sainz was on a cool-down lap at the time of the incident.

Sainz later commented on the situation, stating that he was unaware Hamilton was approaching.

The FIA's judgment read, "The driver of Car 55 [Sainz] stated that he did not have any warning from the team, of the approach of Car 44 [Hamilton] on a push lap. He stated that he was caught completely by surprise and because of the approach speed of Car 44, and the angle of his car, he could not see Car 44 in his mirrors. However notwithstanding the above, the team had ample warning that Car 44 was on an out lap whilst Car 55 was on its push lap. Also, more than eight seconds elapsed from when it was obvious Car 44 was not going into the pits, and hence was going to start a push lap, and when Car 55 could have taken appropriate action if the driver had been warned by the team."

The statement continued, "It is noted that the standard penalty guideline for this offense during qualifying, irrespective of whether it was the fault of the driver or the team, is a three-grid position penalty, and therefore, the Stewards find that the standard penalty should be applied."

As a result of Sainz's penalty, Fernando Alonso, Liam Lawson, and Yuki Tsunoda each move up one spot on the starting grid.

Williams teammate Alex Albon qualified ninth, just behind Hamilton. For the front of the grid, Max Verstappen secured pole position, while the McLaren drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, locked out the second and third positions, respectively.

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