PlanetF1
At the Dutch Grand Prix, Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso must start the Sprint from the pit lane after suspension changes under parc fermé. Sainz also receives warnings for formation lap and slow driving incidents.
PlanetF1 frames the story around Sainz's difficult Friday, while official FIA documents establish the specific rulings: pit lane starts for both drivers due to unauthorised suspension changes, plus warnings for Sainz for formation lap overtaking and slow driving in qualifying.
Recommended first read: PlanetF1's article is the most complete non-official item, covering the investigation and outcome with an image, and is not paywalled.
Carlos Sainz receives a warning for overtaking Car 77 during the formation lap, as he entered the pit lane for a mandated pit lane start.
The final sprint starting grid for the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix, with George Russell on pole and Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso required to start from the pit lane due to Parc Fermé modifications.
Fernando Alonso is required to start the Sprint from the pit lane after Aston Martin changed the suspension setup of Car 14 under parc fermé without approval.
Carlos Sainz is required to start the Sprint from the pit lane because his team changed the suspension setup under parc fermé without approval.
Carlos Sainz receives a warning for driving unnecessarily slowly during sprint qualifying, having exceeded the maximum time at Safety Car Line 1.
The stewards summoned Carlos Sainz for an alleged breach of Article 12.2.1.i of the International Sporting Code and non-compliance with the Race Director's Competition Notes (item 1, document 5) for driving unnecessarily slowly during Sprint Qualifying.
