Sainz criticizes FIA

Carlos Sainz says the FIA showed no regard for sporting equity after an error left some drivers down on power in qualifying.

FIA admits human error

The sport’s governing body admitted a human error meant drivers were not able to use Overtake Mode when they were allowed to for a period following the red flag in the first phase of qualifying.

Sainz eliminated in SQ1

Sainz was one of the six drivers who were eliminated in SQ1. He set the 15th-fastest time in first practice but ended qualifying 22nd and last.

Sainz explains power issue

Sainz said a number of problems affected his lap, one of which was the reduction in power due to Overtake Mode being disabled.

Sainz on power discrepancy

We did the whole lap with half a second less power than any other lap of the weekend, so that’s never going to help.

“We did the whole lap with half a second less power than any other lap of the weekend, so that’s never going to help.”

FIA repeats error

The FIA, like in Malaysia, didn’t decide to do sporting equity, and were happy to do half of the cars in quali with a higher power than the other half of their cars.