Carlos Sainz has been given a grid penalty for the F1 Japanese GP after impeding Lewis Hamilton at the end of Q2 in qualifying for tomorrow’s race.
After crossing the line to go P12 and missing out on Q3, the four-time race winner slowed down as his in lap started. However, he savagely blocked Lewis Hamilton in turn 1.
The seven-time World Champion, who was going full pelt into the corner, had to take evasive action and headed into the run off to avoid a shunt. Hamilton had let Sainz cleanly through in the final sector as the Williams driver completed his run. Fortunately for the Ferrari driver, his previous run was good enough for P6.
Sainz’s penalty means he starts P15 for the F1 Japanese GP on Sunday, five places behind teammate Alex Albon who pipped him by half a tenth to make the final segment of qualifying.
Official verdict from the stewards
“The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 55 (Carlos Sainz), team representatives and reviewed positioning/marshalling system data, video, team radio and in-car video evidence.
“Car 55 was on an in lap after having completed a push lap when Car 44 was starting its push lap, and Car 44 had to move off track to avoid Car 55 in Turn 1.
“The driver of Car 55 stated that he did not have any warning from the team, of the approach of Car 44 on a push lap. He stated that he was caught completely by surprise and because of the approach speed of Car 44, and the angle of his car, he could not see Car 44 in his mirrors.
“However notwithstanding the above, the team had ample warning that Car 44 was on an out lap whilst Car 55 was on its push lap. Also, more than 8 seconds elapsed from when it was obvious Car 44 was not going into the pits, and hence was going to start a push lap, and when Car 55 could have taken appropriate action if the driver had been warned by the team.
“It is noted that the standard penalty guideline for this offence during Qualifying, irrespective of whether it was the fault of the driver or the team, is a 3 grid position penalty, and therefore the Stewards find that the standard penalty should be applied.”
