Sainz handed three-place grid penalty for Albon block
Carlos Sainz Jr has been slapped with a three-place grid penalty at Formula 1’s Canadian Grand Prix for impeding Alexander Albon during qualifying.
The McLaren driver appeared to block Albon in the opening segment of qualifying and was summoned to appear before the stewards for “driving unnecessarily slowly” and “impeding car 23” at Turn 2.
Following video evidence and a hearing involving both drivers, Sainz has been hit with a three-place grid penalty that will see him drop from ninth on the grid to 12th.
Carlos Sainz Jr has been slapped with a three-place grid penalty at Formula 1’s Canadian Grand Prix for impeding Alexander Albon during qualifying.
The McLaren driver appeared to block Albon in the opening segment of qualifying and was summoned to appear before the stewards for “driving unnecessarily slowly” and “impeding car 23” at Turn 2.
Following video evidence and a hearing involving both drivers, Sainz has been hit with a three-place grid penalty that will see him drop from ninth on the grid to 12th.
"ALB was on a fast lap when he closed the gap to SAI, who was driving slowly on the racing line at Turn 2," an official FIA document read.
"SAI was on the radio with the Team, talking about tyres. The team’s warning about ALB approaching was given too late. Because of this, ALB had to abort his lap."
Toro Rosso’s Albon ended up being eliminated in Q2 and is set to start Sunday’s race from 14th.
Happy with Q3 but disappointed with my mistake on the final run. I wanted more and this things happen when pushing all the limits. Starting P12 after the penalty is not ideal either, but Im confident I can fight for points tomorrow. #carlo55ainz #CanadianGP pic.twitter.com/jiLplUZBPQ
— Carlos Sainz (@Carlossainz55) June 8, 2019
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