Carlos Sainz Dutch GP Penalty Review Imminent After Williams Appeal

A review into Carlos Sainz’s controversial 10-second penalty at the Dutch Grand Prix is likely to be heard later this week.

Why it matters

Williams is appealing the decision to remove penalty points from Sainz's Super Licence and to seek greater clarity from the FIA on future racing situations. Sainz himself has strongly criticized the penalty, calling it "ridiculous" and "a complete joke."

The big picture

Sainz was given a 10-second penalty and two penalty points for causing a collision with Liam Lawson during last month’s Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. Williams confirmed they submitted a 'right of review' petition ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, a two-part process requiring the appellant to first demonstrate new and noteworthy evidence.

The details

• Williams stated their submission is crucial "to understand how to go racing in future" and expressed hope for a positive outcome.
• Williams Team Principal James Vowles indicated the review is unlikely to take place until mid-week. He confirmed the team's aim is to see Sainz’s two penalty points from Zandvoort erased and to gain clarity from the FIA on racing incidents.
• Sainz, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, has vowed to push for a better standard of stewarding. He remains adamant that he does not deserve the two penalty points.
• Even if the penalty is overturned, the results of the Dutch Grand Prix will remain unchanged as Sainz served the time penalty mid-race. However, the penalty points could be rescinded.

What's next

The stewards from the Dutch Grand Prix are set to reconvene for the hearing. The initial phase will assess whether the evidence presented meets the 'new and noteworthy' criteria before the incident itself is reconsidered.