Kieran is a freelance Formula 1 journalist for GPblog, covering breaking news, live race blogs and feature content across the F1 calendar. An NQJ-qualified journalist with more than a decade of experience, he has previously written for publications including MailOnline, the Manchester Evening News and the Eastern Daily Press.
The FIA has issued decisions involving Isack Hadjar, Carlos Sainz and Gabriel Bortoleto following separate incidents at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Hadjar and Sainz were both handed warnings for failing to follow the Race Director’s instructions during reconnaissance laps, while Bortoleto received a 10-second time penalty for overtaking under yellow flags after the race restart.
It comes after it was revealed that Franco Colapinto would get a five-place grid drop for the Turn 1 collision that ended the races of Lando Norris and his own Alpine teammate Pierre Gasly.
Hadjar and Sainz warned over pit exit procedure
Hadjar, who finished an excellent third, was handed a warning after remaining in the pit exit road and passing cars before joining the track, rather than rejoining the racing line at the earliest opportunity.
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The Red Bull driver had initially planned a practice start but aborted it late. The stewards considered that a mitigating factor and issued a warning rather than a driving reprimand.
Sainz was involved in a similar incident during the reconnaissance laps. The Williams driver remained in the pit exit road to pass a car waiting to perform a practice start before joining the track.
The stewards ruled that he had failed to follow the Race Director’s instructions, but accepted that Williams had given Sainz incorrect guidance. That reduced his personal responsibility, leading to a warning rather than a driving reprimand.
Bortoleto received a 10-second time penalty for overtaking Sergio Perez between Turns 6 and 7 on the first lap after the restart.
Although marshal posts displayed Safety Car boards and waved yellow flags, the Safety Car had not been deployed. Bortoleto said he became unsure after receiving no Safety Car indication on his steering wheel and being told by Audi that there was no Safety Car.
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The stewards accepted the confusion but stressed that waved yellow flags must always be respected. As Bortoleto had seen them before passing Perez, he received the standard penalty for overtaking under yellow-flag conditions.
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Bahrain Grand Prix
Overview
Friday 02.10.26
Practice 1
04:30 AM
Practice 2
08:00 AM
Saturday 03.10.26
Practice 3
04:30 AM
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08:00 AM
Sunday 04.10.26
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Friday 02.10.26
Practice 1
Fri 04:30 AM
Practice 2
Fri 08:00 AM
Saturday 03.10.26
Practice 3
Sat 04:30 AM
Qualification
Sat 08:00 AM
Sunday 04.10.26
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Sun 07:00 AM
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