Infringement Car 55 Erratic Driving
Qatar Grand Prix · 2023 · 7 October 2023 · Doc 25
- Driver
- Carlos Sainz
- Team
- Scuderia Ferrari
- Session
- Qualifying
2023 QATAR GRAND PRIX
06 - 08 October 2023
From The Stewards
To The Team Manager,
Scuderia Ferrari Document 25 Date 07 October 2023 Time 00:12
The Stewards, having received a report from the Race Director, summoned (documents 19 & 20) and heard from the drivers and team representatives, have considered the following matter and determine the following:
No / Driver 55 - Carlos Sainz Competitor Scuderia Ferrari Time 20:37 Session Qualifying Fact Erratic driving by Car 55 between Turns 10 and 12. Infringement Breach of Appendix L, Chapter IV, Article 2 e) of the International Sporting Code. Decision Warning. Reason The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 55 (Carlos Sainz), the driver of Car 1 (Max Verstappen), team representatives and reviewed video, timing, team radio and in-car video evidence. Car 55 was on a cool-down lap while Car 1 was on a out lap. When Car 1 caught up on Car 55 and tried to pass, the driver of Car 55 defended his position and did that in a manner that was reasonably unpredictable for the pursuing car. During the hearing the driver of Car 55 stated that he could not afford being passed by another car as he had to stay below the maximum lap time between SC lines 2 and 1. Whilst this was accepted by the Stewards as well as by the driver of Car 1, the measures taken by Car 55 were deemed to be unnecessary given the fact that the incident happened in qualifying and cars are not supposed to directly race each other while preparing for flying laps. The Stewards determine that a warning is appropriate on this occasion given the circumstances. Competitors are reminded that they have the right to appeal certain decisions of the Stewards, in accordance with Article 15 of the FIA International Sporting Code and Chapter 4 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules, within the applicable time limits.
The Stewards Decisions of the Stewards are taken independently of the FIA and are based solely on the relevant regulations, guidelines and evidence presented.