FIA Scrutinizes Sainz's Podium Car After Azerbaijan GP

Carlos Sainz secured his first podium with Williams at the Azerbaijan GP, a significant moment that quickly drew the attention of the FIA. Following the race, the governing body conducted a thorough inspection of Sainz's car, particularly focusing on the rear brake system, to ensure full compliance with technical regulations.

Why it matters:

Carlos Sainz's podium finish with Williams marks a rare high for the team, which has struggled for consistent performance. The FIA's immediate and detailed inspection underscores the strict regulatory environment in Formula 1, ensuring fair play and technical adherence, especially when a less-expected contender achieves a significant result. This scrutiny validates the achievement while reinforcing the need for every team, regardless of their position, to meet stringent technical standards.

The Details:

• The FIA's post-race inspection targeted several critical aspects of the rear brake system on Sainz's Williams.
• Specific checks included:
  • Homologation Status: Verification of all sensors and actuators connected to the Standard ECU related to the rear brake system (TR Article 8.3).
  • Brake System Failure Modes: Assessment of potential failure mechanisms (TR Article 11.1).
  • Asymmetric Braking Torque: Investigation into mechanisms that could produce uneven braking across the rear axle (TR Article 11.1).
  • Pressure Verification: Confirmation that rear caliper pressure did not exceed the force applied via the brake pedal (TR Article 11.4).
  • Powered Brake Control System: A comprehensive review of the entire system (TR Article 11.6).
  • Schematic Accuracy: Comparison of submitted schematics with the physical implementation of the system (TD001 N).
• Outcome: The FIA confirmed that Sainz's car was fully compliant with all regulations, officially solidifying his third-place finish and Williams's first podium with the Spaniard.

The big picture:

Sainz's journey to this podium has been characterized by a challenging season, with previous races often marred by misfortune. His qualifying performance in Baku, where he started second only behind Max Verstappen, laid the groundwork for his strong race pace. Despite expectations of him dropping back, Sainz held his ground, only ceding a position to George Russell but successfully fending off Kimi Antonelli to secure third.

What's next:

With the Singapore Grand Prix on the horizon—a race Sainz famously won in 2023—this podium finish in Baku could provide a crucial confidence boost for both Sainz and Williams. The team will be looking to build on this momentum, proving that their performance in Azerbaijan was not an isolated incident but a sign of genuine progress and a potential return to competitiveness in the midfield.