Carlos Sainz Slapped with Grid Penalty for Blocking Hamilton in Qualifying
In a shocking turn of events at Suzuka, Williams Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz has been hit with a major setback after being handed a three-place grid penalty for impeding Lewis Hamilton during the qualifying session for the Japanese Grand Prix. The incident occurred when Hamilton, pushing to secure a spot in Q3, found Sainz’s Williams blocking his path at Turn 1 in the closing stages of Q2.
Despite Sainz expressing his lack of awareness regarding the situation, stating, “I got no warning from the team on this one,” the penalty was still enforced by the Japanese GP stewards. The stewards’ statement highlighted the specifics of the obstruction, indicating that Sainz was on a push lap while Hamilton was on an out lap, leading to Hamilton having to move off the track to avoid Sainz in Turn 1.
This grid penalty has demoted Sainz from his 12th place qualifying position to 15th on the starting grid, placing him behind Yuki Tsunoda’s Red Bull. Meanwhile, Sainz’s teammate, Alex Albon, will kick off the race from ninth place, just one position behind Hamilton.
The repercussions of this penalty are significant for Sainz, as he now faces a tougher challenge in the race, starting further back on the grid than initially anticipated. With tensions running high in the F1 paddock, all eyes will be on Sainz as he navigates his way through the field in a bid to salvage crucial points in the championship battle.