Sainz handed pit lane start after Brazilian qualifying crash

Carlos Sainz will start the Brazilian Grand Prix from the pit lane, following extensive repairs to his car after qualifying. 

The Ferrari driver triggered the second of an extraordinary five red flags during qualifying, with the Spaniard having crashed at Turn 2 in Q2. 

He slid at slow-speed at the second corner before coming to a halt in the barrier, causing substantial damage in particular to the rear of his SF24. 

Following the repairs, Sainz will start the race from the pit lane as the repair job took place during parc ferme.

The Spaniard has received an entirely new power unit and gearbox after his accident, with the repairs taking place during parc ferme being a breach of articles 28.2, 29.2, 40.3 and 40.9 of the F1 sporting regulations.

The stewards' report read: "The penalty is imposed in accordance with 40.9. Power Unit elements in excess of the permitted number for the 2024 Championship season were used. This is a breach of Article 28.2 and incurs a grid penalty.

"RNC components and auxiliary components in excess of the permitted number for the 2024 Championship season were used. This is a breach of Article 29.2 and incurs a grid penalty. 

"As the PU elements and RNC and auxiliary components were changed without prior approval of the Technical Delegate in Parc Fermé this is not in accordance with Articles 40.3 and 40.9 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations. 

"Car 55 is therefore required to start the race from the pit lane per Article 40.9 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations."