Sainz confirms Canada grid penalty

Carlos Sainz has confirmed that he will serve a three-place grid penalty at the Canadian Grand Prix. Sainz was punished for blocking Alexander Albon during Q1 in Montreal and drops out of the top 10 on the grid as a result.

Sainz qualified ninth in Montreal, but will drop back after getting in the way of the Toro Rosso man as he began a hot lap.

Although unlikely to have played a role in the stewards' decision, Sainz's slow moving on the racing line was all the more galling given Albon had moved aside to allow him to complete his own flying lap on the back straight just a few seconds earlier.

Albon's team-mate Daniil Kvyat is one driver to benefit in moving up a spot, with Max Verstappen also set to gain a place, having missed out on Q2 due to a crash from Kevin Magnussen.

Magnussen will likely take a pit-lane start. As he did make Q3, it will lessen the blow for Sainz, who will likely drop to 11th on the grid if the Dane does indeed vacate his grid slot.

Happy with Q3 but disappointed with my mistake on the final run. I wanted more and this things happen when pushing all the limits. Starting P12 after the penalty is not ideal either, but Im confident I can fight for points tomorrow. #carlo55ainz #CanadianGP pic.twitter.com/jiLplUZBPQ

— Carlos Sainz (@Carlossainz55) June 8, 2019

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