Williams Racing has responded sharply to the FIA‘s admission of an error in penalizing Carlos Sainz following a collision at the Dutch Grand Prix on August 31. The controversy arose from contact between Sainz and Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson during a lap 26 restart at Zandvoort, when Sainz’s attempt to overtake on the outside of Turn 1 resulted in both drivers suffering punctures.
The stewards initially ruled Sainz responsible for causing the collision and imposed a 10-second penalty, which the Spaniard strongly criticized. Williams subsequently filed a petition for a right of review prior to the Italian Grand Prix, urging the FIA to reconsider the decision that affected Sainz’s race outcome at Zandvoort, where he finished 13th and failed to earn points.
Review clears Sainz of fault but penalty impact remains
On September 12, the FIA convened a hearing involving Williams, Racing Bulls, and the Dutch GP stewards to reassess the incident. After reviewing new evidence presented by Williams, the stewards concluded that Sainz was not at fault, labeling the contact a racing incident. Despite this, the original 10-second penalty was not rescinded because Sainz finished 17 seconds behind Lawson, rendering the penalty irrelevant to his final position. However, the two penalty points on Sainz’s super licence were removed.
Williams issued a statement expressing relief over the stewards’ revised verdict but also frustration over the impact of the initial penalty on their race. They pledged to collaborate with the FIA to enhance stewarding procedures and clarify racing regulations going forward.
“We are grateful to the stewards for reviewing Carlos’ Zandvoort penalty and are pleased they have now decided he was not at fault and that this was a racing incident. While it is frustrating that our race was compromised by the original decision, mistakes are part of motor racing, and we will continue to work constructively with the FIA to improve stewarding processes and review the racing rules for the future.” —Williams Racing
Contrasting views from drivers involved in Dutch GP incident
Following the Dutch GP, Carlos Sainz blamed Liam Lawson entirely for the collision. Conversely, Lawson defended the stewards’ initial penalty against Sainz, believing it was justified. Ultimately, both drivers failed to score points in the race, which was won by Oscar Piastri.
Carlos Sainz faces another setback in Italian Grand Prix after clash with Bearman
Just one week after the contentious Dutch GP, Carlos Sainz’s hopes for a strong finish at the Italian Grand Prix were dashed after an on-track collision with Haas driver Oliver Bearman. Similar to the Zandvoort event, Sainz attempted an outside overtake, this time at Turn 4 in Monza, but braked late and steered sharply left. Bearman, positioned inside, was left no room, causing both drivers to spin out of contention.
The stewards judged the corner to be Sainz’s since he was slightly ahead entering it, and as a result, Bearman received a 10-second penalty for causing a collision. Sainz finished 11th, just ahead of Bearman in 12th place, both outside the points.
Challenges mount for Sainz in his debut Williams season
Sainz’s first season with Williams has proven difficult, with back-to-back incidents compromising his race results. After the Italian GP, the former Ferrari driver openly admitted to disliking the Williams FW47 car, underlining the challenges he faces adapting to a new team and machine.
Analysts and fans, including former champion Nico Rosberg, frequently pointed to Sainz as responsible in the Monza collision. The Spaniard’s struggles highlight the uphill battle Williams faces to regain competitiveness in Formula 1.
