Carlos Sainz in Baku - Photo: Race Pictures

'Confusion' arises over guidelines following right of review decision

19:29, 18 Sep

byTobia Elia

Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon both voiced confusion over the clarity of Formula 1’s racing guidelines following the verdict on Williams’ right of review request.

Carlos Sainz in Baku - Photo: RacePictures

“We are all, maybe unconsciously or consciously, putting a bit of pressure on the stewards to make decisions during the race"

Speaking to the media about the successful appeal over his incident with Liam Lawson in the Netherlands, the Spaniard admitted he feels confused by the stewards’ decision-making process when it comes to discussing a penalty or considering the drivers’ perspective.

“I don’t know how they approach each situation — whether they’re going to leave it for later or decide in the moment. I think it’s fair to say there’s relative pressure from the media, drivers, and everyone else to want to know the result as soon as the race finishes.

“You don’t want to be waiting two hours for a decision. I think we are all, maybe unconsciously or consciously, putting a bit of pressure on the stewards to make decisions during the race rather than afterwards, which is something to consider."

According to Sainz, having a single panel of stewards for the entire season would help prevent such issues in the future, as the drivers would already be familiar with the criteria used to make decisions.

“What would really help is having the same referee at every race. That way, over the years, you’d recognize a pattern and build experience working with the same officials. You’d know whether they were going to judge an incident on the spot or not. But when it’s different referees at every race, it becomes very difficult to know or understand if a penalty is coming."

Albon also 'confused' by racing guidelines

Albon, when pressed on the same issue, admitted he still does not have a clear understanding of how drivers are expected to behave during on-track battles.

“I’m still confused. I still don’t really know how to properly race — I mean, you can go a week later and still be confused, to be honest. I’m sure we’re going to have a long discussion about it tomorrow evening.

“What’s great is that the FIA is really giving us insight into their decisions, and we’re having good discussion topics about it. It’s not us versus them — it’s very collaborative in terms of, ‘Okay, what can we do? What can’t we do? Why not that?’

Finally, he added: “But still — and this is just me speaking — it’s hard to understand what’s allowed and what’s not.”

Sainz receives two penalty points back on his license

During the Dutch GP, the Spaniard and Liam Lawson were involved in a collision at Turn 1, with Sainz attempting an overtake on the outside and the Racing Bulls driver, after slightly losing the rear, hitting the Williams and causing a double puncture for both.

Surprisingly, the stewards deemed Sainz responsible, handing him a ten-second penalty and two points on his license.

The British team appealed the penalty a few days later through the right of review, bringing forward new significant evidence that led the FIA to re-examine the incident and annul the two penalty points, while confirming the ten-second sanction.

See our latest F1 paddock update below!