The FIA has set the date and time for Williams’ appeal to be heard by Formula 1 stewards. Following a penalty imposed on Carlos Sainz during the Dutch Grand Prix, the team has initiated a right of review. Sainz received a 10-second time penalty and two points on his racing license for a collision with Liam Lawson at Zandvoort.
Expressing his discontent, Sainz contested the decision during the race and met with the stewards post-race. At the Italian Grand Prix, Williams officially requested a right of review hearing. The FIA confirmed that the hearing will take place on Friday, September 12, at 2:30 pm UK time, allowing the Zandvoort stewards to convene virtually via video conference.
Although the time penalty cannot be overturned as Sainz served it during a pit stop, Williams aims to have the two penalty points removed from his license. Team principal James Vowles seeks a transparent discussion with the stewards for clarity in future races.
Typically challenging for the complainant, right of review hearings have seen limited success in the past. The scheduled hearing will occur in two parts, with the Williams team presenting new evidence for review by the stewards. If the stewards find a significant new element, a representative from Racing Bulls will also participate on Lawson’s behalf.
Williams currently holds the fifth position in the constructors’ championship with 86 points, while Racing Bulls, vying to challenge them, stand at seventh place with 61 points, just behind Aston Martin.