Breaking: FIA Issue official statement as Hamilton’s CRASH Spark L…read more

F1 Stars Sainz and Colapinto Avoid Penalties After FIA Investigation at Monaco Grand Prix

Carlos Sainz and Franco Colapinto were both placed under investigation by FIA stewards at the Monaco Grand Prix following alleged infractions under red flag conditions. The incidents occurred during separate practice sessions, prompting scrutiny from officials as the high-stakes weekend unfolded on the streets of Monte Carlo.

The case involving Franco Colapinto took place during the final practice session (FP3), which was brought to a premature end by a red flag after Lewis Hamilton crashed. It was during the aftermath of this red flag that Colapinto allegedly failed to adhere to the regulations. Meanwhile, Carlos Sainz was investigated for a separate infringement that occurred during the second practice session (FP2) on Friday.

With the memory of Oliver Bearman’s hefty 10-place grid penalty still fresh—issued for a similar red flag breach in Friday practice—there was widespread concern that both Sainz and Colapinto could face significant repercussions that might jeopardize their Monaco weekends. However, after thorough review, the FIA confirmed that neither driver would face any further action. Despite Sainz being officially summoned to meet with the stewards, the governing body determined that both drivers’ actions did not merit penalties.

This verdict comes as a relief, particularly for Sainz, who is in a close fight in the midfield standings and has shown promising pace throughout the weekend. Colapinto, meanwhile, is still finding his feet in Formula 1, having recently stepped up to a race seat with Alpine following the dismissal of Jack Doohan due to underwhelming performances.

Colapinto’s FP3 session wasn’t without further challenges. The 22-year-old Argentine was also involved in an impeding incident with one of the Haas drivers. Although no formal investigation was launched, as the event occurred during practice, the episode hinted at the rookie’s ongoing struggle to fully adapt to the complexities of the Monaco circuit—widely regarded as one of the most unforgiving and technically demanding tracks on the calendar.

Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore has made it clear that expectations for Colapinto are high but focused. “He needs to be fast, not crash, and score points,” Briatore stated. “I’m only asking him these three things – not ten.”

Given that neither driver has been penalized, both Sainz and Colapinto retain their chances of starting in competitive positions come race day—provided they can deliver strong performances in qualifying and stay clear of the circuit’s infamous barriers. For Colapinto, Monaco offers a crucial opportunity to prove himself in front of the F1 world. For Sainz, it’s another chance to secure valuable points and maintain momentum in a highly competitive season.

With qualifying shaping up to be pivotal, both drivers will be under pressure to convert their clean slates into solid grid positions. Any misstep could cost dearly in a race where overtaking is nearly impossible and track position is everything.