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FIA Issues Post-Race Decision on Carlos Sainz and Pierre Gasly Following Miami GP Investigation
Following the conclusion of the 2025 Miami Grand Prix, the FIA has officially released its stewards’ verdict after investigating two Formula 1 drivers—Carlos Sainz of Williams and Pierre Gasly of Alpine—for a potential breach of racing regulations. Both drivers were under scrutiny for allegedly failing to slow down under yellow flag conditions, a violation of Article 2.5.5 b) of the International Sporting Code.
The investigation was prompted by incidents that occurred during the race, where it was suspected that neither Sainz nor Gasly appropriately reduced speed when yellow flags were displayed on the circuit. Yellow flags are deployed to signal caution, typically due to an on-track hazard or a stopped car, and drivers are required to significantly reduce speed in those sectors to ensure safety.
After conducting post-race hearings with both drivers, race stewards decided that no further action would be necessary. This means that Carlos Sainz will keep his ninth-place finish and the two championship points that come with it, while Pierre Gasly will retain his 13th-place result.
In an official statement explaining their decision, the stewards acknowledged that while both drivers technically did not slow down as required, there were mitigating circumstances that influenced their judgment. Notably, the stewards revealed that Pierre Gasly admitted during the hearing that he had not noticed any yellow flags nor seen a stationary car on track. Carlos Sainz reportedly shared a similar defense.
Upon reviewing the available footage, the stewards found that the yellow flag in question was shown from only one marshal post and that it was displayed against a yellow background. Compounding the issue was the fact that the flag appeared during a fast section of the track, making visibility difficult for drivers traveling at high speed. These factors led the officials to conclude that the visibility and placement of the flag were insufficient to reliably alert the drivers in time.
The FIA’s decision not to penalize either Sainz or Gasly underscores the complexity of enforcing flag rules in certain scenarios. While the rules clearly state that drivers must slow down under yellow flag conditions, the stewards’ ruling suggests a degree of flexibility when circumstances, such as poor visibility or ineffective flag signaling, hinder a driver’s ability to respond.
This verdict also helps maintain the integrity of the Miami Grand Prix’s final standings, avoiding any post-race reshuffling in the points-paying positions. It spares Sainz and Williams from losing crucial championship points and allows Gasly to retain his finishing position without penalty.
The incident is a reminder of the importance of clear communication and visibility when deploying safety warnings during a race, especially at high-speed circuits like Miami. It also highlights the FIA’s commitment to ensuring fair play while recognizing the limitations drivers may face in real-time situations.
With the matter now resolved, both drivers can shift focus to preparing for the next race on the Formula 1 calendar.
