BREAKING: FIA Issues Late Penalty Verdict for TWO F1 Stars After…read more
FIA Issues Late Penalty Verdict for Carlos Sainz and Pierre Gasly After Miami Grand Prix
The FIA has released its final verdict following post-race investigations into Carlos Sainz and Pierre Gasly at the Miami Grand Prix, confirming that no further action will be taken against either driver for an alleged breach under yellow flag conditions.
Both the Williams driver (Sainz) and Alpine’s Gasly were summoned to the stewards after the race for a possible violation of Article 2.5.5 b) of the International Sporting Code, which mandates that drivers must reduce speed under yellow flag warnings. The incident in question involved both drivers allegedly failing to slow during a yellow flag period during the race.
Following a detailed review, the stewards concluded that the unique circumstances surrounding the incident warranted leniency. Both drivers have been officially issued warnings, but will retain their finishing positions—Sainz in P9, securing two championship points, and Gasly in P13.
In a formal statement, the FIA stewards explained:
“The driver did not slow down for the yellow flag and admitted in the hearing that he neither saw a yellow flag nor any stopped car. However, looking at the footage available, it is evident that the yellow flag was only shown from one marshal post and was shown against a yellow background in a very quick part of the track.
In addition to that, there was no light panel in place at that point and therefore neither the team nor the driver got any visual or audible warning. The car causing the yellow flag also was not visible from the driver’s perspective as it was hidden behind an exit.
The stewards consider all this as a unique scenario and, taking all these mitigating circumstances into account, issue a Warning to the driver.”
The verdict brings closure to a brief period of uncertainty for both drivers and their teams, who had feared a time penalty could alter the final results.
McLaren Dominate in Miami
While the stewards handled post-race matters, the on-track action was headlined by a dominant performance from McLaren. Oscar Piastri led the charge, finishing well over 30 seconds ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell in third. Piastri outpaced teammate Lando Norris, who saw his hopes dashed after a lap-one clash with Max Verstappen that left him unable to contend for the victory.
The race proved punishing for some, with four drivers—Jack Doohan, Ollie Bearman, Gabriel Bortoleto, and Liam Lawson—forced to retire before the chequered flag. Meanwhile, AlphaTauri’s Yuki Tsunoda received a five-second time penalty for speeding in the pitlane, though it did not impact any points-scoring positions.
The 2025 Miami Grand Prix has added yet another chapter of drama to what is shaping up to be a thrilling F1 season, both on and off the track.
