Sainz Advocates for Stewarding consistency Following Piastri‘s Las Vegas Penalty
LAS VEGAS, NV – Following a controversial five-second penalty handed to Oscar Piastri during teh Las Vegas Grand Prix, Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz Jr. has renewed calls for a review of Formula 1’s stewarding guidelines and a move towards a system of permanent race stewards. Sainz believes consistent officiating is crucial for drivers to develop an intuitive understanding of acceptable racing limits.
The penalty, assessed after a collision with max Verstappen, sparked immediate debate within the paddock, with many questioning the severity of the sanction. Sainz’s comments underscore a growing frustration among drivers regarding perceived inconsistencies in penalty submission, arguing that a rotating panel of stewards hinders the development of a shared understanding of racing incidents. ”With good stewarding, they truly understand racing really well,” Sainz stated. “And consistent stewarding through the year, we would develop an understanding among us and you would know when it’s your fault.”
Sainz proposed a system mirroring the role of the fixed Race Director, advocating for a small group of permanent stewards who would consistently evaluate incidents over multiple seasons. “I honestly think even without guidelines, we know when it’s someone’s fault or when it’s in bold racing,” he explained. “That’s why that’s the one thing we’ve never tried that I would potentially try.” He emphasized he doesn’t have a “perfect solution,” but believes a consistent panel would allow drivers to build “muscle memory” regarding penalty expectations.
Piastri himself acknowledged the widespread support he received from fellow drivers,stating,”I think when one of my fellow drivers involved in the accident says it’s not your fault,I think that’s a pretty good indication.” He confirmed plans to discuss the penalty with the FIA, seeking clarity on the reasoning behind the decision and exploring potential adjustments to the officiating process. Piastri added that the FIA has historically been “receptive” to driver feedback.
The debate highlights ongoing concerns within Formula 1 regarding the clarity and consistency of its sporting regulations and their enforcement, issues that directly impact competitive fairness and driver confidence. Sainz’s call for permanent stewards represents a potential pathway towards addressing these concerns and fostering a more predictable racing environment.
