Sainz handed three-place grid drop for impeding offence

Carlos Sainz has received a three-place grid penalty for impeding Racing Point’s Sergio Perez during qualifying for the Turkish Grand Prix.

Perez was on a hot lap when he encountered Sainz, who had just emerged from the pits. Sainz failed to move out of Perez’s way, despite being told that Perez was closing in, hampering the Mexican driver’s lap time.

“The stewards heard from the driver of Car 11 [Perez], the driver of Car 55 [Sainz] and both team representatives, and have reviewed multiple angles of video evidence and radio calls to Car 55,” read a statement from the stewards.

“Car 55 was exiting the pits as Car 11 passed through Turn 1. Car 11 caught up to Car 55 in Turns 2/3 and was unnecessarily impeded by Car 55 at that point and through several subsequent turns.

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“While extraordinary track conditions clearly impacted the situation, radio communications from the team clearly warned Car 55 that Car 11 was behind him.”

Sainz, who qualified 13th, is now set to take the start of Sunday’s race 16th, promoting, Charles Leclerc, Pierre Gasly and Kevin Magnussen up one spot each.

The Spaniard also picked up a penalty point for his troubles, which is the first he has received in a 12-month period.

Pole-sitter Lance Stroll, as well as Sainz’s team-mate Lando Norris, are under investigation for allegedly failing to slow under a yellow flag, caused by a spin for Perez.