Carlos Sainz Sends A Strong Message To The FIA After Ferrari Penalty Appeal Shot Down

Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz expresses disappointment and frustration at the FIA's decision not to review his controversial penalty from the Australian Grand Prix, calling for greater consistency and clarity in the decision-making process.

Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz has released a statement following the FIA's decision to uphold his controversial penalty from the Australian Grand Prix. Sainz, who was given a 5-second penalty after the controversial end to the Australian Grand Prix, expressed his disappointment at the ruling, saying the sport needs to be more consistent in making key decisions. Sending a strong message, he posted to Instagram.

The Maranello squad will obviously be saddened by this choice from the ruling body, especially as the team has seen subpar performance so far this season. 

The incident in question occurred during the penultimate lap of the race when Sainz hit the rear-end of Fernando Alonso's Aston Martin in a confusing and disastrous race restart after a red flag. The 2-time world champion span out, but had his position reinstated after the race was restarted and ended under a safety car. But despite this, Sainz's penalty was maintained - a difficult decision with Ferrari and its driver dangerously in need of points. 

Sainz had hoped that the FIA would agree to the Scuderia's request for a review of the decision. Unfortunately, the ruling did not go in the Spaniard's favour, leading to a strong reaction on social media.

A response from Carlos Sainz after Ferrari's appeal was dismissed.#f1 #f12023 #Ferrari pic.twitter.com/j9t7WAAIde

— F1FAll (@F1fAllOfficial) April 18, 2023

Carlos Sainz's Reaction to the Situation

Taking to Instagram to voice his opinion, Sainz posted:

"Very disappointed that the FIA did not grant us a right to review.

“Two weeks later, I still think the penalty is too disproportionate and I believe it should have at least been reviewed on the basis of the evidence and reasoning we presented.

“We have to continue working together to improve certain things for the future. The consistency and decision making process has been a hot topic for many seasons now and we need to be clearer for the sake of our sport.

“What happened in Australia is now in the past and I am 100% focused on the next race in Baku.”

With other drivers not receiving the same penalties despite being involved in very similar incidents, fans of the Scuderia and its drivers will likely have plenty to say over the next few days.