Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz has been handed a three-place grid penalty for impeding Alpine’s Pierre Gasly during Saturday’s qualifying session at the Canadian Formula One Grand Prix.
Sanz, who initially qualified in eighth position, will now start the race from 11th position. Gasly, on the other hand, had to settle for a disappointing 17th position on the grid due to the incident.
The incident occurred during the final moments of the Q1 segment, when Gasly approached the chicane at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Unaware of Gasly’s fast-approaching car, Saenz drove slowly into the racing line. Gasly was forced into the run-off area to avoid a collision, resulting in him being unable to complete his lap and progress to Q2.
Gasly expressed his disappointment, calling Sainz’s behavior “totally unacceptable”. He believed that Saenz’s lack of awareness not only ruined his own lap but also put both drivers at risk. Gasly had high expectations for the qualifying session, believing his lap time could have put him in the top six.
Race stewards investigated the incident and determined that Sains was essentially at fault. As a result, Sainz received a three-place grid penalty. The penalty also had a major impact, moving Sainz’s teammate, Charles Leclerc, up one position on the grid to 11th.
Gasly, who was penalized for stopping Saenz in the previous race, expressed his disappointment and dismay at the incident. He criticized Sanz for not following racing etiquette and emphasized the dangerous nature of the final chicken. Gasly believed that Saenz’s actions were unfair and it had a significant impact on his whole day.
The penalty handed down to Saenz highlights the consequences of stopping fellow drivers during qualifying sessions. It serves as a reminder to all drivers to exercise caution and awareness on the racetrack, especially during critical moments that can significantly affect their and others’ performance in the race.
As the Canadian Grand Prix approaches, Sanz will have to regroup and strategize to make up for the damage caused by the penalty, while Gasly aims to make a strong comeback from his compromised starting position.
