The FIA stewards opened an investigation into Carlos Sainz following an incident during Sprint Qualifying for the Formula 1 Dutch GP.
The Dutch GP weekend started off rough for Sainz, coming after he put pen to paper to commit to Williams on a new long-term contract, despite concerns over the team’s competitiveness nosedive.
The sole Free Practice session saw him run wide and off the track several times, unhappy with the balance of his FW48, ending the session last in P22 as a result.
Sprint Qualifying was not much better for the Spaniard, eliminated in SQ1 while teammate Alex Albon fought ahead into the next part of the session, with Sainz set to line up 18th for Saturday’s Sprint race.
Carlos Sainz issued warning
But his competitive struggles were not the end of his issues on Friday in Zandvoort; Sainz was noted by the stewards for a breach of Article 12.2.1, as he was ‘driving unnecessarily slowly’. The stewards summoned him at 6 pm local time.
According to FIA documents, Sainz explained that his delta time was affected because he drove slowly before Turn 13 to let Car 16 by. After he had slowed down and lost time, he accelerated to make up time. But he admitted he could have ‘done more to make up time’ before the pit lane entry.
After hearing from Sainz and the Williams team representative, he was issued a warning.
In general, the Williams team have been struggling with pace, both in single-lap and race pace.
Despite some good results, the team still have more to do to be in the fight with the midfield. Zandvoort looks set to be a difficult weekend for the Grove team, despite the good news that both drivers will remain at Williams.
READ MORE: James Vowles details crucial boost for ‘hurting’ Williams with Carlos Sainz re-signing
Discussion about this post