Key Highlights
- Carlos Sainz experienced a bizarre issue during Qatar GP qualifying due to plastic stuck on his rear tyres.
- The problem impacted the car’s bodywork and led to a fine for Williams Racing by stewards.
- Sainz managed to recover well despite starting Q3 with an issue, securing 7th position for tomorrow’s race.
- Stewards penalized Williams for releasing the car in an unsafe condition during qualifying.
The Bizarre Issue During Qatar GP Qualifying
Carlos Sainz, driver of the Williams team, reflected on a challenging session at the Qatar Grand Prix. During Q3 qualifying, Sainz encountered a peculiar obstacle that significantly impacted his performance.
“No, I think we picked up a plastic leaving the pits,” Sainz explained to Sky Sports F1. “The tyres got the whole plastic, and I spent four or five corners trying to get rid of it.” The problem persisted for several turns before the plastic eventually flew off, causing damage to the car’s bodywork.
Sainz described how he managed to recover well from this issue: “We hit the 20.2, which was my Q2 lap time, but I couldn’t get any quicker than that. More than that, I repeated 20.2 multiple times today and just couldn’t improve.”
Williams’ Fined for Unsafe Condition
The Williams team faced a significant setback after Sainz’s encounter with the plastic. The stewards investigated the issue and issued a fine of €5000 to Williams Racing.
“The Stewards heard from the Atlassian Williams Racing team representative and reviewed video and team radio evidence,” explained the official statement. “Despite using this floor sticker since mid-season, the team acknowledged that it had not experienced problems before with the plastic peeling off the floor. However, they ultimately determined that the car was released in an unsafe condition.”
Williams Racing’s representative admitted responsibility for ensuring that the car was safe to race: “We are responsible for making sure the car is not released in an unsafe condition,” said a team spokesperson.
Impact on Sainz’s Starting Position
Despite the issues, Sainz managed to secure 7th position on the grid for tomorrow’s race. He will start alongside Fernando Alonso from the same position. Sainz expressed satisfaction with his performance and confidence in the car’s potential during the race.
“Happy to do the 20.2, be P7 for tomorrow,” Sainz stated. “Clean side of the grid and fight for the top six tomorrow.” He added that he sees Isack Hadjar as a key contender in the race: “One of my best chances is Isack. We’re very equal on pace, but it will be tight with him.”
Stewards’ Statement and Future Implications
The stewards’ decision highlighted the stringent safety measures required during Grand Prix qualifying. Williams Racing’s fine serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough checks to avoid releasing cars in potentially dangerous conditions.
“The Stewards determine that this was an unsafe situation,” concluded the official statement, emphasizing the team’s responsibility and the seriousness of the matter.
This detailed account of Carlos Sainz’s experience during the Qatar Grand Prix qualifying session provides a comprehensive overview of the incident, Williams Racing’s penalty, and Sainz’s perspective on the race ahead.
