Carlos Sainz Under FIA Investigation for Unsafe Rejoin at Las Vegas GP

Carlos Sainz is under investigation by the FIA following an incident with Lance Stroll during qualifying for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, potentially jeopardizing his impressive third-place grid position. The Williams driver allegedly rejoined the track unsafely after an error in Q1, leading to a near-miss with Stroll's Aston Martin.

Why it matters:

Carlos Sainz's potential penalty for an unsafe rejoin in qualifying could significantly impact the starting grid for the highly anticipated Las Vegas Grand Prix. A grid penalty would be a major setback for Sainz, who has been in stellar form, securing Williams' first podium since 2021 and aiming for another strong performance. For Williams, this could mean losing a prime starting position in a race where grid advantage can be crucial.

The details:

• Sainz had an impressive qualifying session in rain-affected conditions, securing third on the grid behind Lando Norris and Max Verstappen.
• The incident occurred in the early stages of Q1 when Sainz made a mistake into Turn 5, taking to the escape road.
• Upon rejoining the track, Sainz's Williams came close to making contact with Lance Stroll's Aston Martin.
• The FIA has launched an investigation into the incident, with both Sainz and Stroll summoned to the stewards at 21:25 local time in Las Vegas.
• Unsafe Rejoin: The core of the investigation revolves around whether Sainz rejoined the track in an unsafe manner, which is a common infringement in F1 and can lead to grid penalties, often three or five places.

The big picture:

Sainz has been a standout performer in the latter half of the F1 2025 season. He secured a third-place finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, marking Williams' first podium since 2021, and followed it up with an equal result in the United States Grand Prix sprint race. His recent form has been a major boost for Williams, a team on an upward trajectory. A penalty, while potentially minor in terms of championship points, could still impact the team's morale and momentum in what has been a promising season.

What's next:

The stewards' decision will be crucial. If a penalty is imposed, Sainz could lose his third-place grid slot, forcing him to start further down the field in the Las Vegas Grand Prix. This would undoubtedly impact his race strategy and his chances of securing another strong points finish for Williams. The outcome will be closely watched, as it could shift the dynamics at the front of the grid for one of the most glamorous races on the calendar.