The Mexico GP promises to be difficult for Carlos Sainz with the penalty he received in Austin.
Carlos Sainz, now at Williams, will have to drop five places on the grid at the Mexico GP. He received this sanction following the United States GP. Indeed, he was deemed responsible for a collision with Andrea Kimi Antonelli. His American weekend will therefore cost him dearly even before the start in Mexico.
A penalty after a preventable collision
In Austin, Sainz hoped to continue his good momentum after a solid sprint race. But an incident in the first laps ruined everything. The FIA stewards judged his maneuver too aggressive. They then applied a deferred penalty for the next race.
Why Carlos Sainz is penalized at the Mexico GP
Everything happened on the seventh lap of the US Grand Prix. Battling for seventh place, Sainz attempted an inside overtake in turn 15. In front of him was Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes.
The front wheel of the Williams nevertheless hit the rear wheel of his rival. This then caused a spin for the young Italian and damaged Sainz’s front wing. Forced to retire, the Spaniard was the only driver not to cross the finish line that day. And worst of all, it earned Carlos Sainz a penalty for the Mexico GP.
The stewards’ firm decision
The stewards first analyzed the videos and onboard data. Then, they considered that Carlos Sainz bore most of the responsibility. According to the official report, his car “had not earned the right to space in the corner.” Indeed, it was never alongside Antonelli before the apex.
And so he receives a five-place grid penalty for the Mexico GP. He also had two points deducted from his super license. The Mexican driver therefore has six points left.
Reactions and challenges for Carlos Sainz at the Mexico GP
While the sanction sparked debate, Sainz spoke out immediately after the United States GP. The driver, of course, acknowledged his mistake. He also felt that he could have avoided the situation.
A frustrated but still clear-headed Sainz
“It’s unfortunate to finish the race this way because the car had excellent pace,” he said. He also explained that Antonelli had “closed the door more abruptly than expected.” This, even though he was already committed on the inside.
Despite everything, he admitted his share of responsibility. Carlos Sainz also said he wants to bounce back at the Mexico GP, despite his penalty. “We were fast today, so it’s frustrating not to turn that into points. But we will come back stronger next week.”
A driver under increasing pressure
This penalty adds to a series of recent incidents. After Zandvoort and Monza, Sainz accumulates mistakes that weaken his position. His total points on the super license are dropping dangerously. A new misstep could also have even heavier consequences such as a driving ban. In Mexico, the Spaniard will therefore start with a double challenge: climb the grid and restore his reputation.