2025 Azerbaijan GP podium - Photo: Race Pictures

FIA targets podium finisher's car after Azerbaijan GP scrutiny

21:05, 01 Oct

byTobia Elia

The FIA carried out checks on Carlos Sainz’s car after the Azerbaijan GP, marking the Spaniard’s first podium with Williams.

At the end of the race, the governing body announced that it had inspected the following components concerning the rear brake system:

TR Article 8.3 – Homologation status of all sensors and actuators connected to the Standard ECU relating to the rear brake system.

TR Article 11.1 – Brake system failure modes.

TR Article 11.1 – Potential mechanisms capable of producing asymmetric braking torque across the rear axle.

TR Article 11.4 – Verification that pressure in the rear calipers does not exceed that generated by the applied brake pedal force.

TR Article 11.6 – Full review of the powered brake control system.

TD001 N – Accuracy of submitted schematics compared to the physical implementation of the system.

The FIA confirmed that the car was fully compliant, allowing the Spaniard to officially secure his first podium with the British team.

Carlos Sainz celebrates podium in Baku - Photo: Race Pictures

Sainz reflects on first historical podium with Williams

After a turbulent season up to Monza, marked by a few highs but many lows often dictated by misfortune, the Spaniard finally managed to climb onto the podium for the first time this year just two weeks ago in Baku.

Much of that result was built on Saturday, when he qualified second, yielding only to the superiority of Max Verstappen, who has reasserted his dominance over the past two races.

While many expected him to slip back in the Grand Prix, Sainz instead showcased strong race pace, conceding only to George Russell but successfully fending off the other Mercedes of Kimi Antonelli to secure third.

On the eve of the Singapore weekend—where Sainz was victorious in 2023—the Spaniard reflected on how that podium in Baku came together.

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