During Q2 of qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton was starting a push lap when he came up behind Carlos Sainz, whose Williams was moving slowly. Hamilton was forced off track to avoid a collision, and made his frustration clear.
The matter was investigated after qualifying and it was confirmed after a hearing that Sainz’s penalty would be a three-place grid drop at the next race he participates in, which will be the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend.
The document that was released has said that while Sainz was not warned of Hamilton’s approach and could not see the Ferrari in his mirrors, the Williams team had plenty of time to realize that Hamilton had not gone into the pits after his out lap, signifying that he was starting a push lap. Therefore, Sainz could’ve taken appropriate action had he been warned by the team.
Carlos Sainz had ended qualifying in 12th position, however his penalty will demote him to 15th, and will push Alonso, Lawson, and Tsunoda up into 12th, 13th, and 14th respectively.
