Sainz’s Dutch GP Penalty Overturned After Williams Appeal
Carlos Sainz’s penalty from the Dutch Grand Prix has been overturned following an appeal by Williams. Initially, Sainz received a 10-second time penalty and two penalty points for colliding with Liam Lawson during the race at Zandvoort on August 27, 2023. This incident occurred while both drivers were vying for crucial championship points, resulting in punctures for both cars. Sainz expressed his disbelief at the penalty, calling it a “complete joke,” after finishing the race in 13th place.
On September 4, just four days after the race, Williams announced their decision to challenge the ruling. They aimed to eliminate the two penalty points assigned to Sainz, arguing that the collision should be classified as a racing incident.
Virtual Hearing
Representatives from both Williams and Racing Bulls participated in a virtual hearing with the Zandvoort stewards. The FIA confirmed on September 9 that the initial ruling had been rescinded. While Sainz had already served the time penalty during the race, the penalty points on his super licence were lifted. Williams presented new evidence that was not available during the original decision, including footage from a 360-degree camera mounted on Sainz’s car, which significantly contributed to the outcome.
The stewards evaluated this new evidence and concluded that the collision was primarily caused by a “momentary loss of control” from Lawson’s car. They stated, “no driver was wholly or predominantly to blame for that collision.” The decision emphasized that while Sainz’s actions contributed to the incident, he had no right to space and was not the primary cause of the collision.
Williams’ Response
Following the decision, Williams expressed both gratitude and frustration in a statement. They thanked the stewards for reviewing Sainz’s penalty and acknowledged that the incident was ultimately a racing incident. The team also voiced their disappointment that the original decision had impacted their race. “While it is frustrating that our race was compromised by the original decision, mistakes are part of motor racing,” the statement read. Williams pledged to continue working with the FIA to enhance stewarding processes and review the racing rules in the future.
As the Formula 1 season progresses, teams are preparing for the next competition. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is set to take place from September 19 to 21, 2023, and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1.
