FIA Schedules Hearing for Carlos Sainz Penalty Review

Williams Racing has successfully triggered a right of review for Carlos Sainz's controversial 10-second time penalty from the Dutch Grand Prix. The FIA stewards have confirmed a virtual hearing will take place on September 12th to reassess the incident involving Sainz and Liam Lawson.

Why it matters:

The penalty, which also added two points to Sainz's Super Licence, sparked significant debate among F1 fans and within the paddock. Williams seeks clarity on racing rules and believes the incident was not solely Sainz's fault, potentially influencing how future racing collisions are judged.

The big picture:

• Sainz received the penalty at Zandvoort for a collision with Liam Lawson at Turn 1, where stewards found him at fault.
• Williams formally lodged a petition for review under Article 14 of the FIA International Sporting Code.
• The hearing will proceed in two parts: first, to determine if a "significant and relevant new element" is presented; second, if new evidence is found, to reconvene and review the original decision.

The details:

Williams Team Principal James Vowles has publicly stated his view that the incident was a racing incident, not a clear fault of Sainz.

• Vowles suggested onboard footage shows Lawson's focus was on his mirrors, not straight ahead, and that Lawson's car "snapped" laterally into Sainz, rather than smoothly opening the wheel.
• He emphasized the need for a "straightforward conversation" to establish clear guidelines for racing incidents moving forward, beneficial for all teams and drivers.

What's next:

The September 12th hearing will be crucial in deciding the fate of Sainz's penalty and the associated Super Licence points. The outcome could provide important precedent for future on-track incidents and interpretations of racing conduct.