Carlos Sainz warned after FIA investigation during Dutch GP Sprint Qualifying

Sainz’s difficult start at Zandvoort

Carlos Sainz was given a warning by the FIA stewards after being investigated for driving unnecessarily slowly during Sprint Qualifying at the Dutch Grand Prix.

During the sole Free Practice session, Sainz ran wide and off the circuit several times while expressing dissatisfaction with the balance of his FW48. He ultimately finished last in the session in P22.

FIA investigation ends with a warning

Sainz was noted by the stewards for a potential breach of Article 12.2.1, which covers driving unnecessarily slowly. He was summoned at 6pm local time to explain the circumstances.

According to the FIA documents, Sainz said his delta time had been affected after he slowed before Turn 13 to allow Car 16 through. Having lost time, he then accelerated in an attempt to recover it. However, he acknowledged that he could have “done more to make up time” before entering the pit lane.

After hearing from Sainz and a Williams team representative, the stewards opted to issue a warning rather than impose a sporting penalty.

The decision leaves Sainz’s Sprint starting position unchanged, but it does little to soften the broader performance picture. Williams has struggled for pace over both a single lap and race distances, leaving the team with significant ground to recover if it is to remain involved in the midfield fight.

That makes the timing of Sainz’s contract commitment especially significant. As explored in why Carlos Sainz is committing to Williams for 2027 despite a difficult season, the Spaniard has backed the team’s longer-term direction even as immediate results remain elusive.

With both Sainz and Albon staying at Williams, the line-up is settled. At Zandvoort, however, the team faces a weekend in which its pace deficit is already clear.