FIA Overturn Dutch GP Penalty as Official Statement Released

Formula 1's governing body, the FIA, have overturned a penalty given out at the Dutch Grand Prix.

Two weeks ago, the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort was won by McLaren star Oscar Piastri, ahead of Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar.

The other McLaren driver, Lando Norris, had an afternoon to forget as he saw his race go up in smoke due to a reliability issue.

Further down the grid, Williams driver Carlos Sainz was handed a 10-second penalty after a tangle with Racing Bulls star Liam Lawson.

At the time, the Spaniard was furious as he blasted down his team radio: "Who? Who gets a penalty? Me? You are joking. You are joking. It is the most ridiculous decision of my life."

Sainz ended up finishing the race in 14th place, just behind Lawson.

During the aftermath of the Dutch Grand Prix, Williams stated they would appeal the penalty handed to Sainz.

Carlos Sainz was furious after the Dutch Grand Prix. Image: Getty

Now, it has been confirmed that the penalty has been overturned.

In a statement, the FIA said: "Having considered the matter extensively and having reviewed the new video evidence and heard from the drivers of both cars and their team representatives, the Stewards determine to rescind the Decision. The Stewards agree with Williams' characterisation of the collision as a racing incident.

"The time penalty imposed by the Decision was served by Car 55 during the race. The Stewards have no power to remedy that served time penalty by amending the Classifications but note that the gap between Car 55 to the car ahead in the Final Classification of the race (coincidently Car 30) was 17 seconds. The Decision having been rescinded, it follows that the 2 penalty points imposed on the Driver of Car 55 are to be removed."

Carlos Sainz. Image: Getty

Reacting to the decision, Williams said: "We are grateful to the stewards for reviewing Carlos' Zandvoort penalty and are pleased they have now decided he was not at fault and that this was a racing incident.

"While it is frustrating that our race was compromised by the original decision, mistakes are part of motor racing and we will continue to work constructively with the FIA to improve stewarding processes and review the racing rules for the future."

F1 will return next weekend with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which will take place around the Baku City Circuit.

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