Ted Kravitz on Williams Boss' Interview Snub Amid Sainz FIA Verdict

Sky F1 pit-lane reporter Ted Kravitz revealed that Williams team principal James Vowles declined an interview request at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, citing an ongoing FIA investigation into driver Carlos Sainz. While Sainz was ultimately cleared, Kravitz questioned the reasoning behind the snub, highlighting a moment of tension and uncertainty for the Williams team.

Why it matters:

The incident provides a peek into the high-stakes environment of Formula 1, where team principals navigate media obligations alongside critical regulatory decisions. Vowles' reluctance to speak underscores the pressure teams face when a driver's grid position – and thus potential points – hangs in the balance. For Williams, securing a strong qualifying position for Sainz was a significant boost, making the period of uncertainty particularly acute.

The Details:

• The Snub: Ted Kravitz reported on his 'Ted's Notebook' program that James Vowles, Williams team principal, refused an interview during the Las Vegas GP qualifying session.
• Vowles' Reasoning: Vowles reportedly stated, "I don't want to be interviewed when we could have the third taken away," referring to Sainz's provisional P3 qualifying spot.
• Kravitz's Reaction: Kravitz expressed skepticism about Vowles' justification, suggesting he could have conducted the interview while acknowledging the pending investigation.
• FIA Investigation: Sainz was under investigation by FIA stewards for a near-miss incident with Aston Martin's Lance Stroll during Q1 of the Las Vegas Grand Prix qualifying.
• The Verdict: Fortunately for Sainz and Williams, the stewards took no further action, confirming his impressive P3 starting position.
• Sainz's Performance: Despite the drama, Sainz excelled in the wet and cold conditions of Las Vegas qualifying, putting his Williams FW47 on the second row of the grid. He believed his lap was "pole-worthy" and felt particularly strong in the extreme wet conditions.

Between the lines:

This episode highlights the delicate balance team principals must strike between transparency and protecting their team's interests. While some might view Vowles' decision as overly cautious, it also demonstrates a focus on minimizing distractions during a crucial regulatory review. For a team like Williams, fighting to climb the grid, every position secured is vital, making any potential penalty a serious concern.

What's next:

With Sainz confirmed in P3, Williams looks forward to a strong race in Las Vegas, aiming to convert the promising qualifying performance into valuable championship points. The team will be hoping for a competitive outing to build on this momentum, regardless of whether the race conditions remain wet or dry, as Sainz himself noted the dry pace might not be as strong. This strong qualifying result, however, provides a significant psychological boost for the team.