Sainz Advocates for Permanent F1 Stewards Following Dutch GP Penalty Reversal
Ensuring Fair Play: Sainz's Vision for F1 Officiating
The Pivotal Moment: Dutch Grand Prix Penalty Reversal
Carlos Sainz celebrates the annulment of his penalty from the Dutch Grand Prix, hailing it as a pivotal development for Formula 1, particularly concerning ongoing debates about competitive regulations. During the Zandvoort race, Sainz was initially given a 10-second penalty and two penalty points for a collision with Racing Bulls' rookie Liam Lawson at Turn 1. The stewards' initial ruling was based on their belief that Lawson had "the right to the corner" as his car was ahead at the apex, leading to damage for both vehicles when Sainz attempted an outside overtake and made contact with Lawson's left rear tire. However, Williams successfully challenged this decision, resulting in the penalty points being rescinded, though Sainz's 13th-place finish remained unchanged due to the time gap.
Advocating for Professional Stewards
Sainz views the overturned penalty as a testament to the essential role of the review mechanism within the sport's regulations, expressing satisfaction that this process was effectively utilized in a clear-cut case. He has previously voiced concerns over the nature of F1 stewarding, which relies on part-time volunteers rather than dedicated full-time officials who cover the entire racing calendar. Sainz advocates for a system where at least two of the three stewards are permanently appointed, with one rotational position for training and ensuring impartiality. He asserts that financial considerations should not impede this transition, given the ample resources within Formula 1 to support such professional roles, highlighting that the cost of salaries should not be an obstacle if this is indeed the path to a more just and consistent application of rules.
Challenges in Interpreting Racing Guidelines
Despite his advocacy, Sainz acknowledges that not everyone shares his perspective on the necessity of permanent stewards. He also points out that while current racing guidelines are an attempt to clarify responsibility in incidents for both stewards and drivers, they haven't achieved the desired level of clarity in practical application. Sainz notes that on paper, the rules seem straightforward, but their interpretation during actual racing scenarios remains ambiguous. This ambiguity leads to subjective judgment calls, as evidenced by his Williams teammate Alex Albon's admission of still struggling to understand proper racing conduct. Sainz attributes this confusion to the subjective nature of "guidelines" versus strict "rules." He argues that while guidelines offer a framework, they are not rigid rules, citing his Zandvoort incident as an example where a driver not at fault for a crash, despite being on the outside, should not be penalized if the other car loses control. Sainz emphasizes that his driving relies on years of instinct and a commitment to fair racing, expecting common sense to prevail when minor contacts occur.