A miserable Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix weekend continued on Sunday for Carlos Sainz as Williams confirmed a 10-place grid penalty for replacing his ESME (Energy Store Main Enclosure).
Sainz and Williams are enduring a period of challenging performances, with Spa proving no different as the team battles to stay in the midfield.
Alex Albon was eliminated in Q1, taking to the radio to voice his disappointment at the result, with Team Principal James Vowles responding by stating Williams needed to give him a “better car.”
Sainz, although through to Q2, struggled for pace, and ended up a lowly 15th, also experiencing a near miss with Max Verstappen, locking his wheels and narrowly avoiding contact with the Red Bull.
Hopes of a more positive Sunday took a significant setback on the morning of race day, as Williams confirmed an ESME change due to an “issue” found with his battery pack.
This has resulted in a mandatory 10-place grid penalty, though he will start P19 due to earlier penalties incurred by Lance Stroll, Isack Hadjar and Fernando Alonso.
Williams said in a statement: “After identifying an issue with Carlos’ battery pack this morning, we’ve had to replace his ESME ahead of the race, resulting in a 10-place grid penalty. He’ll start today’s Belgian Grand Prix from P19.”
Sainz is rumoured to be approaching the end of his patience at Williams, and this latest setback is likely to test the Spaniard further.
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