Carlos Sainz suffers 10-place grid penalty for Las Vegas GP

Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz has been slapped with a 10-place grid penalty for using an energy store component which doesn’t comply with the regulations.

Regardless of where Sainz qualifies in qualifying tonight (local time), the Spaniard will be slapped for using a third energy store component which is one more than the regulations allowed.

This came as a result of the Ferrari driver’s incident with a loose manhole cover, during Free Practice 1, where he pulled off to the side of the circuit. This problematic manhole cover, curtailed running in the opening practice session as the sport had to check the remaining manhole covers throughout the circuit.

Sainz suffered damage to his engine, energy store, control electronics and survival cell as a result of running over the cover.

Ferrari did submit a request to the stewards for a ‘derogation of the sporting regulations,’ to allow the Scuderia to use another energy store component outside the driver’s allowed pool. However, this was not allowed by the stewards.

After the meeting where the panel heard from Ferrari’s team representative, the Director of the FIA Single Seater department and having examined the team declaration sheet and video evidence, the steward’s panel said:

“Having received a request from the Competitor requesting a derogation of the Sporting Regulations in order to allow a replacement of the Energy Store from outside the pool, without penalty.

“Having heard from the Team Representative, the Director FIA Single Seater Department, having viewed video evidence and examined the Team’s declaration sheet, the Stewards, determine that notwithstanding the fact that the damage was caused by highly unusual external circumstances, Article 2.1 of the Formula 1 Sporting Regulations obliges all officials, including the Stewards, to apply the regulations as they are written.

“Accordingly, the mandatory penalty specified under Article 28.3 of the Sporting Regulations must be
applied.

Despite this, knowing the damage was beyond repair following impact with a foreign object, outside of the team and driver’s control, the stewards have noted they would’ve given derogation. However, the regulations don’t allow such action. The document continued:

“The Stewards note that if they had the authority to grant a derogation in what they consider in this
case to be mitigating, unusual and unfortunate circumstances, they would have done so, however the
regulations do not allow such action.

“Decisions of the Stewards are taken independently of the FIA and are based solely on the relevant
regulations, guidelines and evidence presented.”

That’s all for the article; Carlos Sainz suffers 10-place grid penalty for Las Vegas GP!

Read more Formula 1 here:

• Las Vegas GP: Leclerc on top of bitesize FP1 as a drain cover fails
• Red Bull reveal the ‘Neon Bull’ ahead of Las Vegas GP
• Lia Block will represent Williams Racing in F1 Academy in 2024
• Williams adorn Vegas-inspired livery ahead of Las Vegas GP
• Mercedes understands Sao Paulo mistakes as they head to Las Vegas
• Ferrari reveal one-off livery for Las Vegas Grand Prix

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Kamron Kent

Hi, I’m Kamron. I created ApexMotorsports.co.uk in the dying embers of the 2021 Formula 1 world championship. It allowed me freedom to write whatever I wanted to write about which was all things motorsports, my passion.

I have put a lot of effort in over the years to keep this website in its best shape and I’ve loved seeing the brand grow consistently, month-on-month, year-on-year. My ambition is to keep watching this brand grow into a primary outlet of news for all things motorsports whilst fueling my desire to pursue a career in sports journalism, specialising in motorsports.

Kamron Kent

Hi, I'm Kamron. I created ApexMotorsports.co.uk in the dying embers of the 2021 Formula 1 world championship. It allowed me freedom to write whatever I wanted to write about which was all things motorsports, my passion. I have put a lot of effort in over the years to keep this website in its best shape and I've loved seeing the brand grow consistently, month-on-month, year-on-year. My ambition is to keep watching this brand grow into a primary outlet of news for all things motorsports whilst fueling my desire to pursue a career in sports journalism, specialising in motorsports.