FIA Schedules Hearing for Carlos Sainz's Dutch GP Penalty Review

The FIA stewards have set a virtual hearing for September 12, 2025, to discuss Williams' right of review regarding the 10-second penalty issued to Carlos Sainz at the Dutch Grand Prix. Both Williams and Racing Bulls team representatives are summoned to attend.

Why it matters:

• Williams is seeking clarity on future racing guidelines following the incident, which saw Sainz penalized for a collision with Racing Bulls' Liam Lawson.
• The outcome could influence how similar on-track incidents are judged, reigniting debate among drivers and teams about F1's contested racing rules.

The details:

• Sainz received a 10-second penalty for colliding with Liam Lawson at Turn 1 during the Zandvoort race.
• Williams subsequently filed a "right of review" request, arguing the decision was unfair and seeking to understand future racing conduct.
• The upcoming hearing will be conducted in two parts:
  • Part 1: Stewards will determine if Williams' request is admissible, requiring "significant and relevant new evidence" unavailable at the time of the original decision.
  • Part 2: If admissible, a second hearing will review the incident itself, with other "concerned parties" potentially allowed to join.
• Current F1 guidelines suggest Lawson, being ahead at the apex, was not required to leave room for Sainz, leading to the Spaniard being forced off track.

What's next:

• The initial focus will be on whether Williams can present new, compelling evidence to meet the strict criteria for a review.
• Given stewards had access to all relevant footage during the initial decision, it appears challenging for Williams to prove new evidence.
• Regardless of the outcome, the incident has already fueled further discussion in drivers' briefings about the consistency and interpretation of F1's racing guidelines.