Late in the evening in Miami, the college of sports commissioners demoted Carlos Sainz from fourth to fifth position. The provision, made known two and a half hours after the conclusion of the Grand Prix, is due to the collision of the Ferrari number 55 with Oscar Piastri’s McLaren 81 following which the Australian driver’s single-seater found its front wing damaged and the consequent need to return to the pits.
The duel between Sainz and Piastri was one of the liveliest confrontations in the central stages of the race. The two found themselves fighting for fourth position, and initially it was Carlos who complained about his opponent’s behavior, asking via radio for a penalty after a very aggressive defense by Piastri against the attack led by Sainz at turn 11. After having seen what happened, the race direction announced that no action would be taken, and Carlos returned shortly afterwards to the McLaren exhaust.
Carlos Sainz, Scuderia Ferrari
Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images
On the long straight leading to turn 17 Sainz attacked Piastri using the DRS and exiting the slipstream just moments before starting the violent braking required in that stretch. The McLaren driver noticed the Ferrari’s lunge at the last minute, but left enough space to be able to take the corner. The images viewed by the college of sports commissioners highlighted how Sainz made the rear of his car slide while braking, ending up hitting the front wing of the McLaren. Hence the 5-second penalty that relegated Carlos from fourth to fifth position, to the advantage of Sergio Perez, while for just 178 thousandths Sainz did not slip behind Lewis Hamilton, confirmed in sixth place.
The stewards’ report states: “In an attempt to overtake, car 55 (Sainz) delayed braking, missing the apex of turn 17 and losing control of the rear, which caused the collision. Although car number 81 (Piastri) was busy defending its position, it still gave sufficient space to car 55. Given the circumstances, we believe that the responsibility for the collision lies mainly with the 55″ car.
However, mitigating factors were recognized. “The standard penalty for a collision is 10 seconds with 2 penalty points on the license – reports the FIA – but in light of the extenuating circumstances we impose a penalty of 5 seconds with only 1 penalty point on the licence”. The loss of two points in the general classification brings Sainz equal in points (83 points) with Lando Norris, who however gained a position by virtue of the quality of his results, rising to fourth place.
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