Carlos Sainz is under investigation by the race stewards following a pit lane incident involving Fernando Alonso during final practice for the Bahrain Grand Prix. The Ferrari driver is being investigated for an unsafe release that appeared to impede Alonso, behind the wheel of his Alpine, as he made his way down the pit lane. Sainz will be hoping that he is not hit by a penalty ahead of qualifying, as the 27-year-old looks set to be involved in a multi-car fight for pole position.
Will Sainz be handed a grid drop?
An unsafe release during a race would almost certainly see Sainz handed a time penalty, as per changes to the Sporting Regulations made back in 2019. However, unsafe releases during practice sessions and qualifying are dealt with separately, with the stewards assembling to review the incident. Sainz ended final practice in fifth position, half a second off the pace set by Red Bull's Max Verstappen.
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