Sainz: Penalty removed from Dutch GP after Williams review

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, Formula 1 driver, following a review requested by the Williams team. This decision comes after Williams presented new camera footage showing the incident with Liam Lawson, arguing that it was a “racing incident” and not a mistake by Sainz. The decision marks a milestone in Formula 1, where it is uncommon for a team to succeed in overturning a penalty through a review. Although the 10-second penalty imposed on Sainz during the race could not be modified, the two penalty points on his super license were removed.

Carlos Sainz Profile

Williams requested the review during the Italian Grand Prix, less than a week after the incident in Zandvoort. Friday’s hearing required Williams to present new, relevant, and significant evidence.

The team presented images from a 360-degree camera in Sainz’s car, as well as a rear camera from Lawson’s car and Sainz’s testimony. The commissioners accepted the new camera shots as relevant evidence, but maintained that the pilot’s testimony was not a decisive factor, as decisions are usually made during races. Williams argued that the new cameras showed that Lawson’s car lost traction and slid just before the collision, preventing Sainz from avoiding contact.

The stewards agreed with Williams’ characterization of the crash as a racing incident.

Stewards’ statement

In their decision, the stewards explained that the new evidence of Lawson’s slide was sufficient to conclude that it was a racing incident. Although the time penalty could not be overturned, Sainz’s super license points were revoked. This means that the driver now has two points in the last 12 months. On Saturday, Williams issued a statement celebrating the decision.

We are grateful to the stewards for reviewing Carlos’ penalty at Zandvoort and we are pleased that they have now decided it was not his fault and that it was a racing incident.

Williams team spokesperson

The team also added that it will continue to work with the FIA to improve the arbitration processes and race rules.