Carlos Sainz Faces Possible Tough Monaco Penalty

Carlos Sainz is facing a possible penalty at the Monaco Grand Prix after being summoned by race stewards for a potential red flag violation during practice. The incident occurred on Friday in the second practice session following a crash by Isack Hadjar at the Nouvelle chicane.

Sainz, driving for Williams, is accused of not adhering to red flag procedures outlined by the International Sporting Code, Appendix H, Article 2.5.4.1 b).

The stewards scheduled a meeting with Sainz at 14:20 local time, with a decision expected before qualifying.

If the stewards confirm a breach, Sainz could receive a grid penalty similar to that given to Oliver Bearman. Bearman, a Haas rookie, was handed a 10-place grid drop for overtaking Sainz under red flag conditions during Friday’s practice.

Rules mandate that all drivers must slow down and return to the pits immediately when a red flag is displayed, with overtaking prohibited.

Bearman’s penalty followed video and data confirmation that he overtook despite clear dashboard and trackside red flag warnings.

These red flag rules are crucial for the safety of drivers and teams. Any failure to reduce speed or overtaking during red flags is regarded as a serious offense by the FIA.

In Bearman’s case, the penalty also included two points on his super license. He finished 15th fastest in both Friday sessions but said his car setup had improved between runs.

Although disappointed by the penalty, Bearman remains focused on extracting strong performance throughout the Monaco weekend.

The Monaco Grand Prix is a key event on the 2025 Formula 1 calendar, with qualifying and race day held at the iconic Circuit de Monaco. Top drivers such as Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris of McLaren, Max Verstappen of Red Bull, and Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton representing Ferrari battle for leading positions.

Currently, McLaren leads the constructors’ standings with 279 points, while Piastri tops the driver standings with 146 points. Norris and Verstappen follow closely, making penalties and qualifying results crucial for the championship race.

Friday’s practice showed strong performances from Ferrari but difficulties for Verstappen and late crash trouble for Hamilton. Leclerc set the fastest time in Free Practice 3, maintaining his home advantage.

Monaco’s street circuit is known for its narrow layout, where grid penalties have an amplified impact due to limited overtaking opportunities.

The investigation into Sainz’s alleged red flag violation highlights Formula 1’s strict emphasis on race safety. All eyes will be on the stewards’ decision and how it affects Williams’ strategy and Sainz’s weekend.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.