Carlos Sainz reprimanded by the FIA in Melbourne for starting on the straight at the end of FP3
For having carried out a practice start at the wrong time at the end of the third free practice session, Carlos Sainz was reprimanded by the race stewards. He therefore only receives a warning with no consequences on his starting position in the Australian Grand Prix.
By carrying out a practice start before receiving the end of session signal, Carlos Sainz violated point 12.2.1 i) of the International Sporting Code for not following the race officials’ instructions (Document published before the Grand Prix weekend), specifically, a detailed note in point 10 of the same document.
The track marshals noted that Carlos Sainz carried out a practice start on the starting line at the end of Free Practice 3. It has been a rule for the past two seasons to allow drivers to perform practice starts on the main straight. However, this maneuver can be very dangerous if several drivers are still on a fast lap. Therefore, it is necessary to wait for the green light from the marshals.
On the radio, we heard the driver ask his engineer if he should take the checkered flag in the first place, while he’s stopping. The procedure indeed requires the driver to first take the checkered flag on the straight line in order to finish the session. And it’s only after that, with an additional lap, that the drivers can line up on the grid to take a practice start. The engineer therefore immediately asked Sainz not to stay on the grid, it’s dangerous.
« The stewards heard the driver of car 55 (Carlos Sainz), a team representative and examined the positioning data, team radio and video. Car 55 made a start in breach of the Race Director’s Event Notes, which only allow a practice start after the car has crossed the Line. Car 55 had not crossed the line and, although the stewards acknowledged that the situation in front of him was confusing, in line with previous decisions, they issued a Reprimand (Driving). » detailed the FIA statement.
