Decision Car 55 Alleged Failure To Slow For Double Yellow Flags
Belgian Grand Prix · 2026 · 18 July 2026 · Doc 43
- Driver
- Carlos Sainz
- Team
- Atlassian Williams F1 Team
- Session
- Car 44 collided with the barrier at the exit of turn 13 triggering a double yellow sector from the approach to turn 12 to turn 14. Car 55 and Car 3 had both passed through this double yellow sector on the previous lap. Car 55 was behind Car 3 on the approach to the double yellow zone. Both cars commenced braking prior to the start of the zone but the driver of Car 3 applied more brake pressure than the driver of Car 55 had expected and as a consequence the driver of Car 55 had to take evasive action and move to the right of Car 3, locking brakes but not overtaking. Both drivers stated they were surprised, the driver of Car 3 by Car 55 closing so quickly after Car 3 had commenced braking before the zone, and the driver of Car 55 by Car 3 braking more heavily than he had anticipated. The relevant rules require a driver to reduce speed significantly when passing through a double waved yellow marshalling sector. Compliance with the rules does not expressly require that a significant speed reduction occur before the sector but in this case both drivers had commenced to do so, both braking approximately 80m before the start of the sector. By the
2026 BELGIAN GRAND PRIX
17 - 19 July 2026
From The Stewards
To The Team Manager,
Atlassian Williams F1 Team Document 43 Date 18 July 2026 Time 15:05
The Stewards, having received a report from the Race Director, summoned (documents 39 & 40) and heard from the drivers and team representatives, have considered the following matter and determine the following:
No / Driver 55 - Carlos Sainz Competitor Atlassian Williams F1 Team Time 13:33 Session Free Practice 3 Fact Alleged failing to slow under yellow flags Infringement Alleged breaches of Appendix H, Article 2.5.5 b) of the International Sporting Code and Article 1.8.4.b of the FIA F1 Regulations. Decision No further action. Reason The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 55 (Carlos Sainz), the driver of Car 3 (Max Verstappen), team representatives and reviewed positioning/marshalling system data, video, telemetry, team radio and in-car video evidence. During the session Car 44 collided with the barrier at the exit of turn 13 triggering a double yellow sector from the approach to turn 12 to turn 14. Car 55 and Car 3 had both passed through this double yellow sector on the previous lap. Car 55 was behind Car 3 on the approach to the double yellow zone. Both cars commenced braking prior to the start of the zone but the driver of Car 3 applied more brake pressure than the driver of Car 55 had expected and as a consequence the driver of Car 55 had to take evasive action and move to the right of Car 3, locking brakes but not overtaking. Both drivers stated they were surprised, the driver of Car 3 by Car 55 closing so quickly after Car 3 had commenced braking before the zone, and the driver of Car 55 by Car 3 braking more heavily than he had anticipated. The relevant rules require a driver to reduce speed significantly when passing through a double waved yellow marshalling sector. Compliance with the rules does not expressly require that a significant speed reduction occur before the sector but in this case both drivers had commenced to do so, both braking approximately 80m before the start of the sector. By the time Car 55 entered the double yellow sector, it had reduced speed significantly and maintained a significantly reduced speed throughout the sector. The Stewards were therefore satisfied that the driver of Car 55 committed no infringement, the locking of brakes was attributable to a misunderstanding of relative braking and determined to take no further action. 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 5 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.