Williams Submits 'Right to Review' After Carlos Sainz's Zandvoort Penalty

Williams has formally submitted a 'right to review' to the FIA regarding the 10-second time penalty issued to Carlos Sainz at the Dutch Grand Prix. Sainz also received two penalty points for a collision with Liam Lawson during the race at Zandvoort.

Why it matters

This move by Williams highlights concerns within the paddock regarding stewarding consistency and clarity. For Williams, understanding the basis of such decisions is crucial for future racing strategies, as stated in their official statement: "It is important for us to understand how to go racing in future, and we are hopeful of a positive outcome."

The Incident and Sainz's Reaction

Carlos Sainz was penalized for causing a collision with Liam Lawson. The stewards' report from the Netherlands stated that Lawson "had the right to the corner." However, Sainz has been vocal about his disagreement with the decision, calling it "unacceptable."

Sainz's Firm Belief in a Wrong Decision

Sainz engaged in a 15-minute discussion with the stewards to review the incident. He conveyed to GPblog that he believes they may have realized the initial decision "wasn’t the best one" after reviewing all evidence. Sainz firmly maintains that the penalty was a "very poor penalty" and a "bad judgment."

What Williams Needs to Prove

To have the decision overturned, Williams must provide "significant and relevant evidence which was previously unavailable" to the stewards.

Sainz's Continued Stance

Even after cooler reflection, Sainz's conviction remains unshaken. He expressed his belief that the stewards had a "very difficult Sunday" and a "busy afternoon" due to the numerous incidents, which might have led to an overwhelming situation. He reiterated, "Now in a cooler-headed state, I still believe the penalty was not acceptable, and I made it very clear."