The FIA has launched an investigation into Carlos Sainz following a near-collision with Lewis Hamilton during the second free practice session (FP2) at Silverstone. The inquiry arises after Sainz lost control of his Williams at the Woodcote corner, spinning and almost running into Hamilton early in the session. The focus on this incident has intensified due to the potential danger posed to other drivers on the track.
In addition to the near-miss with Hamilton, Sainz nearly collided with Nico Hulkenberg upon rejoining the track, which prompted race stewards to take the incident seriously. The Williams driver now faces scrutiny for possibly driving in a way that endangered other competitors, with the FIA summoning him to explain the situation after FP2 concluded.
Possible Consequences for Sainz Over Dangerous Driving Claims
The incident involving Sainz is being examined under Article 33.4 of the FIA Sporting Regulations, which prohibits dangerous driving behaviors that risk the safety of fellow drivers. If stewards find Sainz at fault, he could face penalties ranging from reprimands up to a grid penalty for the upcoming race, based on existing FIA guidelines.
The gusty conditions during the session will likely be considered by officials when determining any disciplinary action. Despite the severity of the spin and near-misses, neither Hamilton nor Hulkenberg suffered direct harm or was forced to abandon their practice runs, which could influence the stewards toward a less severe penalty such as a formal warning.
Incident Adds Tension Heading Into the British Grand Prix
This investigation comes at a critical moment during the Formula 1 British Grand Prix weekend, with heightened expectations and intense competition among teams and drivers. Carlos Sainz’s fate could affect both his starting position and his approach to the remaining sessions.
As the stewards continue their review, the outcome will be closely watched due to its potential impact on race dynamics and driver safety standards. The Silverstone incident reinforces ongoing concerns about challenging track conditions and driver conduct during fast-paced practice sessions.
