Doc 58 - Infringement - Car 55 - Causing a Collision with Car 12 in Turn 15
Document 58 - Infringement - Car 55 - Causing a Collision with Car 12 in Turn 15
To: The Team Manager, Atlassian Williams Racing
From: The Stewards
Date: 19 October 2025
Time: 18:02
Summary of Incident
The Stewards received a report from the Race Director and summoned the drivers and team representatives (documents 52 & 53) to review an incident involving Car 55 (Carlos Sainz) and Car 12 (Kimi Antonelli) during the Race session at 14:13.
Fact
Car 55 collided with Car 12 in Turn 15.
Infringement
Breach of Appendix L, Chapter IV, Article 2 d) of the FIA International Sporting Code.
Decision
- Grid Penalty: Drop of 5 grid positions for the next Race in which the driver participates.
- Penalty Points: 2 penalty points (total of 4 for the 12-month period).
Reason for Decision
- Evidence Reviewed: The Stewards heard from both drivers (Carlos Sainz of Car 55 and Kimi Antonelli of Car 12), team representatives, and reviewed video and in-car video evidence.
- Incident Description: Car 55 attempted an inside overtake on Car 12 at Turn 15, resulting in a collision at the apex.
- Driver 55's Argument: Carlos Sainz stated he expected Car 12 to leave space at the apex. He argued that Car 12 turned in early, and Car 55 locked brakes to avoid an unavoidable collision. He also suggested Car 12 should have anticipated the overtake attempt and left space.
- Stewards' Finding: The Stewards determined that at no point prior to the apex was the front axle of Car 55 alongside or ahead of the mirror of Car 12. According to the Driving Standards Guidelines, Car 55 had not earned the right to be left space at the apex.
- Conclusion: The Stewards concluded that the driver of Car 55 was predominantly to blame for the collision. Since the penalized driver did not finish the race, a grid penalty equivalent to a 10-second time penalty is imposed for the next race.
Right to Appeal
Competitors are reminded of their right to appeal certain decisions of the Stewards in accordance with Article 15 of the FIA International Sporting Code and Chapter 4 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules, within the applicable time limits.
Decisions are taken independently of the FIA and are based solely on relevant regulations, guidelines, and evidence.