Carlos Sainz Proposes Ex-F1 Drivers for FIA Incident Judging Amidst Guideline Concerns

Carlos Sainz believes Formula 1 could improve incident judging by entrusting former F1 drivers with the role, citing the insightful analysis provided by pundits like Karun Chandhok, Anthony Davidson, and Jolyon Palmer. Sainz, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA), suggests that the current FIA guidelines for on-track incidents create more problems than solutions, leading to confusion and a lack of room for 'racing incidents' to be judged fairly.

Why it matters:

Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz's strong advocacy for a revised approach to incident stewarding highlights a growing concern among drivers regarding consistency and fairness in penalty decisions. The discussion, set for the customary F1 drivers' meeting ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix, is critical for enhancing race integrity and ensuring that on-track battles are judged with a deeper understanding of racing dynamics, potentially reducing driver frustration and controversy.

The details:

• Sainz requested an "urgent" meeting with the FIA following Oscar Piastri's controversial penalty in Brazil, indicating a pressing need for dialogue and clarity.
• He argues that the current guidelines for judging on-track incidents have led to an overly rigid interpretation, leaving "barely any room for racing incidents" and causing confusion among drivers and stewards alike.
• Expert Analysis: Sainz points to the post-race analyses by former F1 drivers Karun Chandhok, Anthony Davidson, and Jolyon Palmer as examples of high-quality, accurate incident judging. He believes these analysts correctly assign blame or identify racing incidents in approximately 90% of cases.
• Sainz's "future ideal" involves a system where ex-racers, such as the trio mentioned, judge incidents without needing exhaustive guidelines, relying instead on their deep understanding and experience.
• He acknowledges the logistical challenges of having former drivers commit to 24 race weekends annually, implying that such a role would require significant commitment and compensation.

What's next:

The upcoming crunch talks between F1 drivers and the FIA in Qatar will be a crucial step in addressing these concerns. While a complete overhaul to an ex-driver-led stewarding system might not be immediately feasible, Sainz's proposal could lead to a re-evaluation of current guidelines and potentially the increased involvement of experienced racing figures in the judging process. The outcome of these discussions could shape future racing conduct and the way F1 incidents are policed, aiming for a more nuanced and driver-centric approach.