
The FIA stewards have launched an investigation into Carlos Sainz following an incident during the FP2 practice session at Silverstone, where he nearly collided with Lewis Hamilton. The inquiry centers around Sainz’s control loss on the track and the potential risk posed to other drivers, which brings attention to the ongoing Lewis Hamilton Silverstone incident investigation.
Details of the Near-Collision Incident at Silverstone
During the second free practice session at Silverstone, Carlos Sainz lost control of his Williams car at Woodcote corner. His spin brought him dangerously close to Lewis Hamilton on the circuit. Shortly after rejoining, Sainz almost collided with Nico Hulkenberg as well, prompting the race stewards to scrutinize his conduct.
The stewards summoned Sainz to explain his actions, as his driving raised concerns about a possible violation of Article 33.4 of the Sporting Regulations. This article addresses driving in a manner that could be considered dangerous to other competitors, a serious issue especially within the highly competitive context of Formula 1.
Potential Consequences for Sainz’s Driving at Silverstone
If found guilty of breaching the regulations, Carlos Sainz could face penalties ranging from a reprimand to a grid penalty at the race. The stewards will also consider the conditions during the gusty practice session and examine whether Sainz’s behavior affected Hamilton, Hulkenberg, or other drivers’ sessions negatively.
Since neither Hamilton nor Hulkenberg suffered any incident-related disadvantages during FP2, the likelihood of a harsh punitive measure could be reduced. However, the investigation highlights the seriousness with which the FIA treats incidents risking driver safety on track, especially at a prominent event like the British Grand Prix.
The Broader Impact on the British Grand Prix Weekend
This investigation adds tension to the event, overshadowing other positive performances such as Lewis Hamilton’s strong showing and Ferrari’s comeback during the practice sessions. Drivers and teams will be closely watching the outcome, as any penalty could influence starting positions and race strategies.
As FIA stewards review the evidence and assess Sainz’s case, the Silverstone incident underscores the heightened scrutiny in Formula 1 to maintain safety while balancing competitive racing, particularly in critical practice and qualifying moments.