Toro Rosso’s Carlos Sainz Jr. will start the Monaco Grand Prix from the pitlane after the Stewards penalised him for failing to stop at the weighbridge during qualifying.
Sainz qualified eighth ahead of his team-mate Max Verstappen in 10th, but will now face the difficult task of making his way through the field on the tight streets of Monaco.
The FIA statement explaining the decision read: “”The driver failed to stop for weighing during Q1 when signalled to do so by the red traffic light.
“The car was not returned to the FIA garage and work was undertaken.
“In accordance with article 26.1 (iv) of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations the driver is required to start from the pit lane.”
At random times during qualifying, drivers can be called to the weighbridge to ensure the team is adhering to the sporting rules and regulations.
“The red light on the entry to the pit lane is in a place where I cannot see it,” Sainz said before he had been called to the Stewards office.
“I saw it late, but then the next time I stopped at the weighbridge and it was fine.
“They should change the position of the light, to be honest, because I didn’t see it.”
Image via Scuderia Toro Rosso
Josh Kruse
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