Williams seeks review of Sainz’s 10-second penalty from Dutch Grand Prix
Williams Lodges Right of Review with FIA Over Carlos Sainz Penalty
Williams has lodged a right of review with the FIA over the 10-second penalty assessed to Carlos Sainz for his collision with Liam Lawson at the Dutch Grand Prix.
The incident unfolded at Zandvoort after the first of three safety-car restarts, when Sainz attempted to set up an overtake by positioning his car around the outside of Lawson into Turn 1. The pair made contact, both suffered punctures, and fell to the back of the field. Sainz then served the 10-second penalty at his next pit stop.
Stewards’ Ruling and Driving Standards
Stewards handed down the penalty based on a strict reading of the driving standards guidelines, which state an overtaking car on the outside is only entitled to room at corner exit if “its front axle [is] ahead of the front axle of the other car at the apex.” They determined Sainz never had his front axle alongside or ahead of Lawson’s, making him responsible for the collision.
Williams Initiates Right-of-Review Process
Under the FIA’s right-of-review process, teams must present significant and relevant evidence that was not available to stewards at the time of the decision for a case to be reopened. Williams confirmed it has initiated that process.
"We can confirm we have submitted a right of review to the FIA relating to Carlos' penalty in Zandvoort," a Williams spokesperson said. "It is important for us to understand how to go racing in future, and we are hopeful of a positive outcome."
Sainz Comments on Penalty and Evidence Review
Speaking Thursday at Monza, Sainz said he met with stewards after the race and believes a deeper look changes the interpretation.
"I had the opportunity to go and sit with them for 15 minutes to analyse the incident," Sainz said. "It was very clear to me that as soon as they got all the evidence right and they looked at the places they needed to take the right decision, it was clear to me that I think they realised probably the decision taken wasn't the best one.
Now we are trying to see if we can come up with enough evidence to change the outcome of the penalty, because I still firmly believe it was a very poor penalty I received and a bad judgment, which can happen as long as you have the capacity to revisit it. If there's been a misunderstanding or a lack of evidence or analysis, then there is still time to reanalyse it, reopen it, and change it.
I do believe they had a very difficult Sunday looking back at it. They had a very busy afternoon, and maybe it was overwhelming because of the amount of stuff that happened in the race.
But I still firmly believe what I thought after the race. Now in a cooler-headed state, I still believe the penalty was not acceptable, and I made it very clear."
Sainz added: "I think they [the stewards] have an incredibly difficult job, and sometimes they also have restricted time. I think what happened in my case in Zandvoort was a consequence of trying to rush a decision without looking deep enough in the analysis.
If you just apply the rule in the rulebook, you could understand why they would want to penalise me. The moment you analyse the onboard footage and go into detail, you can clearly see why I should have never got a penalty."
Next Steps for FIA Review
The FIA will first determine whether Williams has presented new and significant evidence before deciding whether to reopen the case or let the original ruling stand.
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