Sainz: Penalty removed from Dutch GP after Williams review

Carlos Sainz: Penalty Annulled in the Dutch Grand Prix

The stewards of the Dutch Grand Prix have revoked the penalty imposed on Carlos Sainz following a review requested by his team, Williams. The incident, which occurred in Zandvoort two weeks ago, was re-evaluated in light of new evidence. Williams presented new camera angles of the incident with Liam Lawson, from the Racing Bull team. The stewards determined that the collision was a “racing incident” and not Sainz’s fault. This decision marks a rare success for a team in Formula 1 in obtaining a favorable review. Although the 10-second penalty imposed on Sainz during the race could not be overturned, the two penalty points from his super license were removed. Williams requested the review during the Italian Grand Prix, less than a week after the incident in the Netherlands.

The penalty against Carlos Sainz in the Dutch Grand Prix has been revoked.During Friday’s hearing, Williams presented evidence considered new, relevant, and significant. This included 360-degree camera images of Sainz’s car, rear camera images of Lawson’s car, and Sainz’s testimony. The stewards accepted the two new camera angles, which were not available at the time of the original decision. However, they maintained that the pilot’s testimony was not an element worthy of review, as decisions are often made during races before hearing from the pilots. Williams argued that the new camera angles showed that Lawson’s car lost traction and slid just before the collision, preventing Sainz from avoiding contact. In their decision, the stewards explained that the new evidence of Lawson’s slide was enough to convince them that it was a racing incident.

“After considering the matter exhaustively and reviewing the new video evidence and hearing from the drivers of both cars and their team representatives, the stewards determine to revoke the decision. The stewards agree with Williams’ characterization of the collision as a racing incident.”

Stewards’ Statement

The stewards added that it was not possible to annul the time penalty, but confirmed that the points would be removed from Sainz’s license, who now has two in the last 12 months, with 12 points resulting in a penalty. On Saturday, Williams issued a statement celebrating the stewards’ decision.

“We are grateful to the stewards for reviewing Carlos’ penalty at Zandvoort and we are pleased that they have now decided that he was not at fault and that it was a racing incident,” said a team spokesperson.

Williams Spokesperson

“While it’s frustrating that our race was compromised by the original decision, mistakes are part of motorsport and we will continue to work constructively with the FIA to improve arbitration processes and review race rules for the future.”