Sainz's 'Thumbs Up' to Lawson Sparks Post-Race Row After Dutch GP Penalty

Why it matters:

An untelevised radio exchange from the Dutch Grand Prix revealed Carlos Sainz's sarcastic "thumbs up" gesture to Liam Lawson after their Turn 1 collision, escalating a post-race dispute over Sainz's "complete joke" 10-second penalty.

The incident:

• The clash occurred at Turn 1 following a Safety Car restart, resulting in punctures for both drivers.
• Sainz was deemed at fault and received a 10-second time penalty plus two Super Licence penalty points.
• Lawson expressed disbelief over team radio, calling the verdict "the most ridiculous thing I’ve heard in my life."

Lawson's reaction:

Unseen footage captured Lawson reacting to Sainz's gesture, stating: "Mate, the guy’s giving me the thumbs up like it’s my fault. It’s my f***ing corner."

Driver fallout:

• Sainz, a GPDA director, criticized the "unacceptable level of stewarding" and accused Lawson of always preferring contact over yielding space.
• Lawson countered that Sainz's penalty proved his guilt and suggested the problem lay with F1's Driving Standard Guidelines.
• Both drivers, who finished 12th and 13th, exchanged heated words, highlighting ongoing tensions after a previous skirmish at last year's Mexico City Grand Prix.