Williams’ Carlos Sainz has been given a three-place grid drop for the 2025 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix after impeding Lewis Hamilton during qualifying.
The Spaniard got in the way of his Ferrari successor after he finished his final run in Q2, setting a lap time good enough for 12th place.
Hamilton was attempting a final run as Sainz remained on the racing line heading into Turn 1, with the British driver immediately taking to the team radio to voice his frustrations.
Despite being impeded, the seven-time World Champion made his way into Q3 before eventually finishing in eighth place.
Sainz is now set to start the Grand Prix from 15th as the stewards deemed it was a slam dunk penalty for the 30-year-old as he “unnecessarily impeded” Hamilton.
A document released by the FIA stated: “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.”
READ MORE – F1 2025 Japanese Grand Prix – Qualifying Results
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