F1 news: Ferrari star in STRANGE Australian Grand Prix FIA investigation

Carlos Sainz, Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, 2023, social, generic — Photo: © IMAGO

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Ferrari star in STRANGE Australian Grand Prix FIA investigation

Carlos Sainz was called to see stewards after FP3

Dan Ripley Global Editor

Professional F1 journalist and analyst

Saturday 23 March 2024 04:41 Updated: 04:56

Carlos Sainz landed himself in hot water with stewards after a strange incident at the end of final practice of the Australian Grand Prix.

The Spanish driver had ended the session third fastest and just shy of a tenth off pace setter and team-mate Charles Leclerc in Melbourne.

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It marks a welcome return for the Spaniard, who is back in he SF-24 this weekend having recovered from appendicitis surgery that caused him to miss the most recent Saudi Arabian Grand Prix where he was replaced by British star Oliver Bearman.

Sainz had looked sharp throughout the weekend's practice sessions but it appear his judgement at the end of FP3 may be the only thing in question.

Carlos Sainz is back behind the wheel of the Ferrari

Carlos Sainz was called to face stewards

False start Sainz

The 29-year-old appeared to break FIA protocol by carrying out a practice start not in accordance with 10.3 of their race notes, which read:

"All drivers carrying out a practice start must do so by pulling as far forward on the grid as possible and, if necessary, should wait for others to carry out a start before getting to a grid position further forward.

"Under no circumstances should a driver make a practice start if another car is still stationary in front of him on the same side of the grid."

Sainz though escaped punishment for the incident though, with stewards instead opting to deliver just a driving reprimand, noting: "Car 55 performed a practice start in violation of the Race Director’s Event Notes, which only permit a practice start once the car has crossed the Line.

"Car 55 had not crossed the line, and while the stewards recognised that the situation ahead of him was confusing, consistent with prior decisions, they issue a Reprimand (driving).

Sainz of course has previous when it comes to the stewards at Albert Park, infamously picking up a time penalty following a collision with Fernando Alonso in the last-gasp race start after a red flag, right at the end of the 2023 race that caused him to tumble well out of the major points.

Ferrari FIA Charles Leclerc Carlos Sainz Australian Grand Prix Oliver Bearman