Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Slapped with €25,000 Fine for F1 Track Crossing Post-Crash at Singapore Grand Prix

Carlos Sainz incurs a €25,000 penalty for traversing an active F1 circuit post-accident

Carlos Sainz receives a significant penalty, with a portion deferred, for walking across an active Formula 1 track following his crash during the qualifying round.

Carlos Sainz received a significant penalty for traversing an active Formula 1 circuit following his accident during the qualifying round at the Singapore Grand Prix.

The driver of the Ferrari lost grip and crashed backwards into the barriers at the high-speed last turn of the Marina Bay Street Circuit on his initial attempt in Q3.

Sainz walked away without injury from his damaged Ferrari and made his way across the track to return to the pits.

He has incurred a fine of €25,000, with half of the amount being conditionally suspended for the rest of the season, provided that no additional violations take place.

"The race officials' statement explained that Carlos Sainz had an accident in Q3 leading to a red flag situation. Following the crash, Sainz went over the track and also across the entrance to the pits," the adjudicators' decision stated. "Upon reviewing footage, consulting with track officials, and listening to the driver's own account, it was clear that Sainz made the crossing without securing approval from a Track Marshal first. The rules clearly prohibit this action due to the high risk it poses. Additionally, the Race Director had emphasized this point during an earlier meeting with the drivers."

The officials acknowledge Sainz's belief that the track was empty since he had passed the pit entrance and noticed a red flag. Yet, with five cars still on the track, there was a chance that one could err by not heading into the pit lane or by entering it at a higher speed than Sainz anticipated. Additionally, there was the possibility of other vehicles joining the track unbeknownst to the driver.

"The officials reviewed this case alongside recent penalties issued during race conditions, albeit under a safety car, and determined it to be less severe due to the red flag situation. Additionally, they considered the driver's position past the pit entry as another factor reducing the severity. Nonetheless, considering the clear rules emphasized in previous drivers' meetings, the officials have decided on a fine. This fine is less than those issued previously, with half of it being suspended for the rest of the 2024 season, acknowledging the mitigating factors."

Lewis Hamilton incurred a penalty of €50,000, with half of that amount being deferred, alongside a formal warning for crossing an active racetrack during the previous year's Qatar Grand Prix.

Sainz is set to begin Sunday's major race from the 10th position at best, while his Ferrari colleague, Charles Leclerc, will start just ahead in ninth place.

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive stories, interviews, and special offers from the racing world straight to your email.

For additional details, please consult our Privacy Policy.

Recent Updates

Further Updates

Site Navigation

CrashNet

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

Copying or reproducing text, photos, or illustrations, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited.