Ferrari reacts to FIA’s decision to dismiss Australia protest

Ferrari has issued a statement after the FIA denied the Maranello-based squad a further inquest into Carlos Sainz’s penalty at the Australian Grand Prix.

Sainz made contact with Fernando Alonso at a late-race restart following a red flag period, with the Aston Martin driver falling down the order from third.

Another red flag was immediately called amid further chaos in the field, and for the end of the race, which took place behind the Safety Car, the order of the previous start was reinstated – minus the retired drivers.

However, the Stewards opted to issue Sainz with a five-second penalty which demoted the Spaniard outside the points from fourth.

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Sainz was visibly upset with the decision, labelling it as the most unfair penalty that he’s ever seen.

Ferrari protested the penalty but the result from the Melbourne race stands, much to the disappointment of the Italian outfit.

“We acknowledge the FIA decision not to grant us a right of review in relation to the penalty imposed on Carlos Sainz at the 2023 Australian Grand Prix,” a team statement read.

“We are naturally disappointed and felt that we had provided sufficient new elements for the FIA to re-examine the decision, especially in the context of the particular conditions and multiple incidents that occurred during the final restart.

“We are however respectful of the process and of the FIA decision.

“We are now looking forward to entering broader discussions with the FIA, F1, and all the teams, with the aim of further improving the policing our sport, in order to ensure the highest level of fairness and consistency that our sport deserves.”

The penalty was a further blow to Ferrari as it walked away from the race with zero points.

Charles Leclerc retired on the opening lap following a collision with the other Aston Martin car driven by Lance Stroll.