Sensational 1 lap penalty for Sainz: he splits from the Safety Car, but is not entitled to it

A ‘unique’ penalty The 2026 British Grand Prix ended with the drivers behind the Safety Car, which came in a few laps from the end due to Max Verstappen going off the track. The final classification, initially, had Carlos Sainz in 12th position, but the sensational twist occurred precisely to the detriment of the Spaniard after what the Race Direction analyzed following the checkered flag, with the former Ferrari driver penalized by 1 lap. The reason is attributable to the authorization that the Commissioners provide only and exclusively to the lapped drivers to double up shortly before the restart (which did not happen), with Sainz himself overtaking the Safety Car to reach his starting position. Yet, incredibly, the Spaniard was not on the list of lapped drivers. The ‘why’ of the overtaking The case arose after the #55 returned to the pits, which overtook line 1 of the Safety Car due to the particular layout of the track and pit lane at Silverstone, resulting in it being momentarily at full revs. Subsequently, when the Race Direction issued the authorization to the lapped drivers to double up (“Lapped cars may now overtake”), Sainz overtook the Safety Car as if nothing had happened, although he did not have the right to do so. In this way, having therefore violated article B5.13.4c of the Sporting Regulations, the Iberian suffered an unprecedented penalty of 1 lap. Yet, following the hearing with team representatives, Williams itself acknowledged the mistake, with the team not even noticing the absence of its driver on the list of those who had the right to split.

Automobile Magazine – Formula1 English, News

2026-07-06 12:00:00