Sainz cleared, Albon reprimanded in Williams double yellow flag investigation

Carlos Sainz escaped a penalty from the Italian Grand Prix stewards, while Williams teammate Alex Albon was handed a reprimand after a double yellow flag investigation in FP3. The verdicts were split, with Sainz cleared entirely and Albon picking up his second reprimand of the season.

Why it matters:

The mixed outcome is a boost for Williams, as Sainz keeps his P13 grid spot and Albon avoids a 10-place grid drop that would have compounded his existing engine penalty. The team is still chasing its first points since Monaco.

The Details:

• Sainz cleared: After reviewing positioning data, video, and telemetry, the stewards found Sainz was not shown a yellow flag, but a green light panel was briefly visible. He lifted off the accelerator when a yellow light appeared on his steering wheel, though slightly past the yellow flag zone. The stewards accepted this as a mitigating circumstance.
• Albon reprimanded: Albon was also not shown a yellow flag, but a green light panel denoting the end of the yellow zone was visible for less than two seconds. The stewards ruled it a technical breach, but mitigating circumstances reduced the standard 10-place grid penalty to a reprimand — his second of the season.
• Context: Albon was one of three drivers, alongside Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli and Red Bull's Liam Lawson, who entered qualifying with back-of-the-grid engine penalties.

What's next:

Sainz starts from P13, while Albon launches from P22. Williams will aim to convert its qualifying positions into its first points finish since Monaco.