The FIA rules in favor of Sainz

Two weeks after a controversial incident at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, the FIA has officially cleared Carlos Sainz of blame in his first-corner clash with Liam Lawson—a collision that left both cars with punctures and derailed Sainz’s race. The Spanish driver had been handed a 10-second time penalty and docked two points on his super license, a decision that sparked backlash across the paddock.

While the time penalty—served during the race—cannot be undone, the FIA has now rescinded the super license points, acknowledging that the incident was a racing mishap rather than a fault of Sainz.

Williams frustrated by the fallout

Williams, who filed the appeal on September 4 under Article 14 of the International Sporting Code, expressed mixed emotions following the ruling. While they welcomed the FIA’s reversal, they also voiced frustration over the original decision’s impact.

“We appreciate the stewards’ decision to review the penalty imposed on Carlos at Zandvoort and are pleased they concluded it wasn’t his fault—it was a racing incident,” the team said in a statement. “It’s frustrating that our race was compromised by the initial ruling, but mistakes are part of motorsport. We’ll continue working constructively with the FIA to improve stewarding processes and race regulations moving forward.”

New evidence

Williams submitted three new pieces of evidence: 360-degree footage from Sainz’s car, rear-facing camera footage from Lawson’s car, and a direct testimony from Sainz himself. The FIA confirmed that none of that material was available during the race and played a key role in overturning the decision.

According to the FIA’s final report, Lawson lost control mid-corner, while Sainz attempted an outside pass without guaranteed space to avoid contact. The stewards concluded it was a racing incident, not a punishable offense.

“The stewards rescind the Decision,” the FIA document reads. “As a result, the two penalty points imposed on the driver of car 55 must be removed.”

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