Sainz: Penalty removed from Dutch GP after review, Racing Incident

Carlos Sainz Free of Penalty in the Dutch Grand Prix

The stewards of the Dutch Grand Prix have revoked the penalty imposed on Carlos Sainz following the review request submitted by his team, Williams. The incident, which occurred in Zandvoort two weeks ago, was analyzed again thanks to the new evidence presented by Sainz’s team. Williams provided new camera angles of the incident with Liam Lawson, leading the stewards to determine that the collision was a “racing incident” and not Sainz’s fault. This decision represents an unusual achievement for a Formula 1 team by getting a penalty reviewed. Although the 10-second penalty imposed on Sainz during the race could not be reversed, the two penalty points on his super license were removed as a result of the review. Williams had announced its request for review during the Italian Grand Prix, less than a week after the incident at the Dutch Grand Prix.

On Friday, a hearing was held in which Williams presented evidence considered new, relevant, and significant. The team presented images from a 360-degree camera in Sainz’s car, images from a rear camera in Lawson’s car, and Sainz’s testimony. The commissioners admitted that the two camera angles, which were not available at the time of the original decision, were new, relevant, and significant. Williams argued that the new camera angles showed how Lawson’s car lost traction and slid just before the collision, preventing Sainz from avoiding contact.

The stewards are satisfied that the collision was caused by a momentary loss of control of car number 30.

Statement from the Stewards

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. The stewards pointed out that it was not possible to revoke the time penalty, but confirmed that the points on Sainz’s license would be removed. This means you now have two points in the last 12 months, and 12 points in 12 months result in a penalty. In the official statement, Williams expressed his gratitude to the stewards for reviewing Sainz’s penalty and was satisfied with the decision. A team spokesperson stated: “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.”