Infringement Car 55 Driving Unnecessarily Slowly During Sprint Qualifying
Dutch Grand Prix · 2026 · 21 August 2026 · Doc 22
- Driver
- Carlos Sainz
- Team
- Atlassian Williams F1 Team
- Session
- Sprint Qualifying
2026 DUTCH GRAND PRIX
21 - 23 August 2026
From The Stewards
To The Team Manager,
Atlassian Williams F1 Team Document 22 Date 21 August 2026 Time 19:11
The Stewards, having received a report from the Race Director, summoned (document 17) and heard from the driver and team representative, have considered the following matter and determine the following:
No / Driver 55 - Carlos Sainz Competitor Atlassian Williams F1 Team Time 16:38 Session Sprint Qualifying Fact Car 55 driving unnecessarily slowly during Sprint Qualifying Infringement Breach of Article 12.2.1.i of the International Sporting Code and non-compliance with Race Director's Competition Notes (item 1, document 5). Decision Driver: Warning. Reason The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 55 (Carlos Sainz), team representative and reviewed positioning/marshalling system data, video, timing, telemetry, team radio and in-car video evidence. Car 55 had to let Car 16 by before Turn 13, this impacting his lap time delta. After that, the driver accelerated to make up time before coming into the pits, but still reached Safety Car Line 1 being approx. 5 seconds above the required maximum time. The driver explained that he could not accelerate the car in the way he wanted due to the fact that the battery of the car was empty, but also admitted that he could have done more to make up time before entering the pit lane. The Stewards acknowledge the difficulties arising from energy management, but also agree with the driver that he could have done more to manage his delta time and therefore determine that a Warning to the driver is appropriate. 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.
Decisions of the Stewards are taken independently of the FIA and are based solely on the relevant regulations, guidelines and evidence presented.