Webdesk: Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz received a three-place grid penalty for obstructing Alpine driver Pierre Gasly during qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix. Gasly abandoned his lap in the final minutes of Q1 and missed Q2.
Gasly called Sainz’s conduct “completely unacceptable” and stressed the hazards of not being mindful of other drivers. He swerved into a runoff to escape Sainz, which hurt his qualifying performance.
While, Race stewards found that Sainz impeded Gasly mostly. The penalty demoted Sainz from eighth to 11th on the starting grid, allowing Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc to advance one spot.
Moreover, Team leader Otmar Szafnauer called the situation “ridiculous” and lamented Gasly’s performance. Gasly expressed his dissatisfaction and frustration, citing the effort put into a great weekend and Sainz’s impact on his performance.
Gasly added that a high-speed collision may injure both drivers. He advised drivers to take additional care in dangerous spots like the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve’s last chicane.
Gasly was previously penalised for hindering Sainz at the Spanish Grand Prix. Gasly was furious that Sainz’s actions had wrecked his day and started the Canadian Grand Prix 17th.
Sainz’s punishment serves as a lesson to all drivers regarding track safety and fair competitiveness. Drivers and fans anticipate a thrilling, incident-free Canadian Grand Prix.
