Carlos Sainz Penalized for Antonelli Collision at US Grand Prix

Carlos Sainz will face a five-place grid penalty at the upcoming Mexico City Grand Prix and has received two penalty points following a collision with Kimi Antonelli during the United States Grand Prix. The incident occurred on Lap 6 when Sainz attempted an aggressive inside overtake at Turns 15 and 16, resulting in Antonelli being forced into the gravel. Although Antonelli's Mercedes was able to continue, Sainz's front wing was destroyed, leading to his retirement from the race and a post-race summons to the stewards.

Why it matters:

This incident adds to Sainz's growing tally of penalty points and will significantly impact his starting position in Mexico, potentially hindering his ability to score valuable points. For Antonelli, it was an unfortunate interruption to his race, highlighting the close-quarters racing and high stakes in Formula 1, even in a single incident.

The Details:

• Incident Location: The collision took place at Turns 15 and 16 of the Circuit of the Americas during the US Grand Prix.
• Sainz's Attempt: On Lap 6, Sainz (Car 55) attempted to dive up the inside of Antonelli (Car 12).
• Impact: Sainz misjudged the maneuver, making contact with Antonelli's Mercedes and sending him into the gravel. Antonelli recovered, but Sainz's car sustained terminal damage, forcing his retirement.
• Stewards' Verdict: The stewards investigated the incident, hearing from both drivers and reviewing video evidence.
  • Sainz argued Antonelli should have left him space, but the stewards determined Sainz had not earned the right to space at the apex based on the Driving Standards Guidelines, as his front axle was not alongside or ahead of Antonelli's mirror prior to the apex.
  • Sainz was deemed 'predominantly to blame' for the collision.
• Penalties: Since Sainz retired from the race and could not receive a time penalty, he was issued a five-place grid drop for the Mexico City Grand Prix.
  • He also received two penalty points, bringing his 12-month total to four.

Looking Ahead:

Sainz's grid penalty in Mexico will be a significant challenge, requiring him to fight through the field to secure a strong result. This incident serves as a reminder of the fine margins and strict regulations governing on-track conduct in Formula 1. Both drivers will be looking to move past this incident and focus on the remainder of the season, with Sainz aiming to minimize the impact of his upcoming grid drop.

By the numbers:

• 5-place grid drop: For the Mexico City Grand Prix.
• 2 penalty points: Awarded for causing the collision.
• 4 total penalty points: Sainz's current tally over a 12-month period.