FIA launch investigation into Carlos Sainz after Sprint Qualifying incident
FIA Stewards have launched an investigation into Carlos Sainz
ZANDVOORT – Carlos Sainz is under investigation by the FIA Stewards following an incident during Sprint Qualifying for the Dutch Grand Prix.
Sainz qualified 18th fastest for the 100km Saturday sprint but was summoned to the stewards for driving unnecessarily slowly.
Carlos Sainz under investigation for driving ‘unnecessarily slowly’ in Sprint Qualifying
Sainz was one of six drivers eliminated following the opening stage of the three-part knockout session on Friday afternoon in Zandvoort.
During opening practice the Spaniard left the road on three occasions, running wide at the penultimate corner and twice struggling to slow his Williams for the tight Hans Ernst Bocht section at the end of the back straight.
During Sprint Qualifying, Sainz was noted for an alleged breach of Article 12.2.1.i of the FIA’s International Sporting Code.
Article 12.2.1.i relates to driving unnecessarily slowly, with the four-time race winner required to appear before the stewards at 6pm local time.
While Sainz was 18th fastest, teammate Alex Albon was able to clear the first hurdle in Sprint Qualifying and is poised to line up 16th in the other Williams.
The Grove-based operation was one of five teams not to bring upgrades for this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix.
However, work remains ongoing behind the scenes, with team boss James Vowles revealing the organisation is working on a new tub intended to see out the end of the 2026 season and carry into 2027.
That revelation followed Williams confirming new deals for both Albon and Sainz in the days leading up to the Dutch GP.
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