Carlos Sainz and Ferrari Fined €5000 for Risky Maneuver in Dutch GP Qualifying
Ferrari and their driver Carlos Sainz faced a €5000 fine for a hazardous move during the Dutch GP qualifying session. This incident underlined the challenges Ferrari faced, with teammate Charles Leclerc also struggling on the track.
Key Takeaways:
- Ferrari’s Troubles: Both Ferrari drivers, Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, encountered difficulties during the Dutch GP qualifying, leading to Leclerc’s crash and a lower-than-expected qualifying position for both.
- The Incident: The Stewards’ official letter detailed Sainz’s potentially dangerous maneuver on exiting the pits, forcing Oscar Piastri off track. This act, contrasting with the ample warning given to Bottas in a similar situation, resulted in the fine.
- Other Penalties: Yuki Tsunoda also faced consequences, receiving a three-place grid penalty for obstructing Lewis Hamilton, while Max Verstappen took pole position for his home race.
In a dramatic turn of events at the Dutch GP qualifying, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and his team were fined €5000 for a move deemed “potentially dangerous” by The Stewards. The official letter from The Stewards specified that Sainz, upon exiting the pits, moved immediately onto the racing line, causing Oscar Piastri, who was already on track, to take evasive action and partially leave the track.
This incident highlighted a challenging day for Ferrari. Charles Leclerc, Sainz’s teammate, also struggled, crashing during Q3, which meant he finished the qualifying in ninth position. Conversely, Sainz managed to secure the sixth starting position for the race in Zandvoort.
The Stewards’ letter contrasts the handling of Sainz’s exit from the pits with that of Valtteri Bottas. Bottas received ample warning of Piastri approaching the track, a courtesy that was not extended to Sainz, who was advised only not to cross the white line at the exit and was informed about Piastri’s proximity too late.
Apart from the Ferrari incident, the qualifying session saw Yuki Tsunoda being penalized with a three-place grid penalty for impeding Lewis Hamilton, further stirring the competitive atmosphere of the event.
At the forefront of the grid, Max Verstappen, to the delight of his home crowd, clinched pole position. He is followed by Lando Norris of McLaren, George Russell of Mercedes, and Alex Albon of Williams, setting the stage for an exciting race.
This series of events during the Dutch GP qualifying underscores the high stakes and intense competition in Formula 1 racing, where split-second decisions can have significant repercussions, both on the track and in terms of regulatory compliance.
