During Q2, the second qualifying round, Scuderia Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz approaches the last corner of the Shanghai circuit with excessive optimism. The Spaniard hits the gravel with force, loses control of the rear, and spins, slamming into the opposite wall. The Ferrari SF-24 car is damaged, the front wing is gone, but the red car remains on the track.
The decision of the stewards is immediate: Red Flag. The red flag helps Carlos Sainz, who manages to restart his car, bring the SF-24 back to the pits, and resume his qualifying session. Fortunately for the Spaniard, the Ferrari car only needs a front wing change. Upon returning to the track, the Ferrari driver will conclude the session in Q3, securing seventh position.
However, something unpredictable happens at the end of qualifying. News of an official protest from Aston Martin against the results of the Chinese GP qualifying emerges.
The reason for the protest
Under the scrutiny of the British team is what happened with Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari in Q2. In fact, the Aston Martin team claims what is described in Article 39.6 of the Sporting Regulations of the 2024 Formula 1 season.
The accusation is that this point of the regulation was violated in Carlos Sainz’s situation in Q2. The team representatives are scheduled to meet with the race stewards at 6:00 PM local time.
The article in question brought to the attention of the race direction is as follows: “Any driver whose car stops on the track during qualifying will not be allowed to resume part in the session.”
Source: f1ingenerale
Leave a Reply