Carlos Sainz has been handed a €25,000 fine by the FIA following a controversial incident in the aftermath of his crash during Singapore qualifying.
The penalty was imposed after the Ferrari driver crossed a live track immediately after crashing his car in Q3, raising serious concerns on adherence to safety protocols within Formula 1.
The incident unfolded after Carlos Sainz lost control of his car and collided with the barriers at Turn 10, resulting in significant damage to his car which forced the session to be suspended. Fortunately he climbed out of the wreck unhurt.
However, in a moment of instinctive reaction rather than remaining in a safe location or waiting for race control’s guidance, Sainz made the decision to cross the track to return to the pit lane as Fernando Alonso‘s Aston Martin flew close by while the Ferrari driver walked to the pits.
After Singapore qualifying, the 30-year old was later summoned by FIA stewards and following their investigation, they have handed the Spaniard a €25,000 fine. The stewards deemed the action reckless and claimed it could have endangered not only Sainz himself but also other drivers and trackside personnel.
There are strict rules in place to ensure safety during active racing sessions, as Article 26.7 b of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations mentions crossing a live track without permission is a clear violation of these rules.
The FIA statement read: “The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 55 (Carlos Sainz), the team representative and reviewed positioning/marshalling system data, video, and information from the marshals.
“After crashing during Q3 which caused a red flag, Carlos Sainz crossed the track and then crossed the pit entry road. The Stewards examined video, questioned the marshals and heard from the driver that he crossed without first obtaining permission from a Marshal.
“The regulations are explicit that this is not permitted and is a potentially very dangerous situation. Further, this was reinforced by the Race Director in a previous drivers’ meeting.
“The Stewards accept that Sainz thought that the track was clear because he was after the pit entry and there was a red flag. However, there were still five cars circulating and it was possible that one may make a mistake and not enter the pit lane, or may have entered the pit lane faster than Sainz thought.
“Further, there were potentially other vehicles entering the track that the driver had no knowledge of.”
The stewards also revealed that Sainz’s violation was deemed a lesser offence as his transgression came under a red flag therefore suspended €12,500 of the total fine which will be held in abeyance for a probationary period.
“The Stewards compared this to other penalties that have been given recently, which were given when the track was in race conditions, but under safety car and consider that this is a somewhat less severe case, because of the red flag.
“Further, the driver’s idea that because he was beyond the pit entry is another mitigating circumstance.
“But in light of the explicit regulation reinforced in prior drivers’ meetings the Stewards order the fine which is lower than previous penalties and order half to be suspended for the remainder of the 2024 season, in light of the mitigating circumstances.”
This means that if Carlos Sainz commits another similar infraction within this timeframe, he could face more severe consequences. Additionally, he was also given an official warning for an incident in Q1 when he rejoined the circuit via an incorrect route when he went off at turn two.
The Singapore Grand Prix is notorious for its demanding street circuit, characterized by narrow lanes and limited overtaking opportunities. These factors contribute to an atmosphere of heightened tension during qualifying, where drivers push their limits in pursuit of optimal grid positions.
However, this competitive spirit must be balanced with strict adherence to safety protocols designed to protect everyone involved in the event.
Carlos Sainz finished Singapore qualifying in P10 just behind Ferrari teammate Charles leclerc as Lando Norris claimed pole position.
