Blurry Lines in F1: Sainz and Leclerc Question Racing Rules Clarity After Controversial US GP Penalties

Carlos Sainz Comments on F1's Unclear Racing Regulations Following Severe Penalty at US Grand Prix

"Some aspects remain somewhat unclear to me, to phrase it differently. I believe there was a recent incident involving Oscar's maneuver that serves as an example."

Carlos Sainz thinks that the regulations governing F1 races remain somewhat unclear, referencing Oscar Piastri's severe penalty during the sprint race as a case in point.

The judgment calls of the stewards have sparked much debate following the contentious incident at Turn 12 involving Max Verstappen and Lando Norris.

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Norris received a five-second penalty for 'exiting the track and obtaining a benefit' following an incident where Verstappen forced him off the track.

Officials took a stricter stance by issuing several penalties during Sunday's race, among them was a penalty for George Russell's incident with Valtteri Bottas at the same turn.

Piastri received a five-second penalty for the sprint race because it was determined he pushed Alpine's Pierre Gasly off the course.

During the FIA media briefing that followed their top two placements at the Circuit of the Americas, Sainz and Charles Leclerc were questioned on whether the rules of racing were well-defined.

Sainz remarked, "I believe certain aspects are clear, while others remain somewhat unclear to me, to phrase it that way. For instance, there was a situation with Oscar's overtaking maneuver yesterday.

For me, that was totally acceptable and closely resembled what we've previously experienced together during the sprint. Additionally, I believed the penalty imposed on Oscar yesterday was excessively severe and didn't align with certain guidelines that I had understood to be in place.

"Indeed, the penalty from yesterday caught me off guard. As for today, I'm in the dark since I haven't been able to watch it, nor have I taken a detailed, moment-by-moment look at the penalty. We'll just have to wait and see."

Leclerc acknowledged that it will probably be discussed in the upcoming drivers' meeting in Mexico.

"He concurred with Carlos regarding Oscar's penalty from yesterday," he said further. "He also believed it was somewhat excessive."

"Regarding the regulations, I believe they are straightforward. Nonetheless, the way these rules are understood can vary slightly since it's not feasible to create a rulebook that accounts for every possible situation."

"Each situation is unique, possesses its own distinct aspects, and requires a tailored approach for analysis and interpretation of regulations, which is precisely what the FIA aims to excel at."

"Nonetheless, there are moments of disagreement, and in my opinion, regarding yesterday's incident, it's likely a topic we'll discuss during the upcoming driver's meeting."

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