Carlos Sainz and Liam Lawson collided during the safety car restart at the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix, as Sainz attempted an overtaking move for seventh place. The incident took place heading into turn one, sparking a heated reaction from the Spaniard who accused the Kiwi of reckless driving. This clash significantly impacted both drivers‘ races, intensifying frustrations within the paddock.
The clash between Sainz and Lawson at the Dutch Grand Prix
<pEntering the weekend, Liam Lawson aimed to revive his Formula 1 campaign after a challenging first half of the season. His promising pace saw him reach Q3, ultimately securing a ninth-place starting position. Meanwhile, Carlos Sainz was pushing to advance through the field following a safety car period, eyeing Lawson’s position at Racing Bulls.
Sainz carried momentum on the outside of turn one and sought to seize seventh place, but Lawson appeared unyielding. The two collided, causing considerable damage to both vehicles, resulting in a dramatic fall down the order. Sainz’s frustration was clear over team radio as he sharply criticized Lawson’s driving style.
“He’s just so stupid, oh my god. This guy, it’s always the same guy.”
—Carlos Sainz, Williams driver
Despite Sainz’s anger, the FIA held him responsible for the incident and issued a 10-second penalty during the race. This ruling further complicated Sainz’s efforts to salvage points after the collision.
Carlos Sainz reflects on his challenges with the Williams FW47
This season marks a difficult adjustment phase for Carlos Sainz at Williams, where Alex Albon has emerged as the leading driver. Albon amassed 54 points in the opening 14 Grands Prix, considerably outpacing Sainz’s 16 points tally. The gap has raised questions about Sainz’s adaptation to his new car and team environment.
Sainz openly admitted struggles with the FW47’s sensitivity, a stark contrast to his previous experiences in Formula 1. He shared his revelations with Motorsport Week, emphasizing the learning curve he is facing.
“Yeah, and you also need to know this as a driver, that’s why I didn’t expect this car to be so sensitive to these kind of things. I’ve never had it before in my life, in my career, but it is something that I’ve been learning through the year. I’m trying to adapt and trying to understand the best way I can.”
—Carlos Sainz, Williams driver
Sainz’s admission highlights the complex technical challenges he is navigating while attempting to regain competitive form. His mid-race radio messages after the collision with Lawson underscore his ongoing frustration, especially after being penalized despite his protests.
Implications of the collision and next steps for Sainz
The collision and subsequent penalty mark a significant setback for Carlos Sainz in what started as a promising race weekend. The incident with Liam Lawson not only cost valuable track position but also underscored the broader difficulties Sainz faces in adapting to the Williams car. As the FIA’s decision stands firm, Sainz will need to reassess and refocus ahead of upcoming races to turn around his season’s trajectory.
Both drivers will look to recover as the championship progresses, with Lawson aiming to consolidate his performance gains and Sainz striving to overcome his challenges. The Dutch GP incident serves as a reminder of the fine margins and intense pressures each driver endures during a competitive Formula 1 season.
