Shockwaves in Monaco: F1 Stars Carlos Sainz and Franco Colap

Shockwaves in Monaco: F1 Stars Carlos Sainz and Franco Colapinto Slammed with FIA Penalties Over…read more

The glittering streets of Monte Carlo turned tense and chaotic during the Monaco Grand Prix weekend, as two high-profile Formula 1 figures—Carlos Sainz of Ferrari and rising talent Franco Colapinto—faced major scrutiny and punishment from FIA stewards. Both drivers were thrust into controversy after allegedly breaching critical red flag rules, prompting a swift and severe response from motorsport’s governing body.

The incidents occurred during different sessions of the action-packed weekend, but each left a mark on the championship narrative and sent shockwaves through the F1 paddock.

Colapinto Caught in Chaos After Hamilton Crash

Franco Colapinto, the 21-year-old Williams reserve driver and current F2 competitor, found himself in the stewards’ spotlight during the third and final Formula 1 practice session on Saturday morning. The session was dramatically halted in its final moments after seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton suffered a heavy crash that brought out the red flags.

However, as marshals rushed to respond and the session was effectively neutralized, Colapinto was accused of failing to comply with red flag procedures. Footage and telemetry appeared to show that Colapinto continued at speed in a section of the track where drivers were expected to slow significantly. Although no direct consequences resulted from his actions on track, the breach was deemed serious due to the safety implications involved.

The FIA’s post-session review concluded that Colapinto had indeed not adhered to the correct protocol. While he avoided a race ban, the penalty handed down included a grid drop for his next Formula 2 race and a stern warning that future infringements would carry harsher consequences. The young Argentine was also docked penalty points on his license.

In a statement following the incident, Colapinto expressed regret, noting that he had misjudged the severity of the situation but emphasized that safety was never compromised. “I respect the FIA’s decision and understand the importance of following red flag rules to the letter. I’ll learn from this moment and come back stronger,” he said.

Sainz Under Fire in Monaco Mayhem

The drama didn’t end with Colapinto. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz also came under investigation for a separate red flag incident earlier in the Monaco weekend. The Spanish driver, already under pressure as speculation continues to swirl around his future with the Scuderia, was accused of breaching regulations during a practice session interruption.

Sainz, known for his precision and racecraft, allegedly failed to slow sufficiently when the red flags were displayed after a minor on-track incident. While less dramatic than Colapinto’s situation, the FIA took a dim view of any infractions involving safety flags, especially at a street circuit as unforgiving as Monaco.

Following a hearing with stewards and a review of onboard footage and telemetry, Sainz was also handed a reprimand and a monetary fine. No grid penalties were imposed, but the incident has added pressure on the Spaniard at a