Sainz 'Buzzing' with Las Vegas Qualifying, Faces Potential Penalty

Carlos Sainz qualified an impressive P3 for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, expressing excitement despite a looming steward investigation. The Williams driver, who finished behind Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, showed strong pace in challenging wet conditions, but a track rejoining incident could jeopardize his starting position.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's strong qualifying performance in Las Vegas, particularly Sainz's P3, is a significant boost for the team, especially given their recent struggles. However, a potential penalty could nullify this achievement, impacting both the team's morale and their grid position in a crucial late-season race. The incident also highlights the tight margins and strict enforcement of track limits and safety regulations in modern F1.

The Details:

• Sainz secured P3, his second-best qualifying performance for Williams this season.
• He demonstrated exceptional pace in the wet conditions of FP3 and Q1, attributing it to car changes made by the team.
• Incident: Sainz was summoned to the stewards for rejoining the track unsafely in Q1, potentially impeding Lance Stroll, who was on a flying lap.
  • The hearing with the stewards was scheduled for 20:09 local time, with a decision expected shortly thereafter.
• Sainz maintained an optimistic outlook, stating, "Dreaming is free, and I always try to think about myself doing well."
• He acknowledged that the circuit seemed to suit the Ferrari car in dry conditions.

What's next:

The decision from the stewards will be critical for Sainz, as a grid penalty would be a major blow, forcing him to start further down the field. Without a penalty, starting P3 gives him an excellent opportunity to challenge for a podium finish or strong points in the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The outcome will set the tone for Ferrari's race strategy and their fight against rivals like Red Bull and McLaren.