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Sainz verdict delivered after practice investigation

Carlos Sainz was summoned to the stewards following the conclusion of final practice for the Australian Grand Prix.

Carlos Sainz has been handed a reprimand for failing to follow the FIA Race Director's Event Notes during final practice for the Australian Grand Prix. The Ferrari driver is making his return to racing having missed the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix following an appendectomy and finished third fastest in FP3 despite setting his fastest time on a set of medium tyres. But Sainz was summoned to the stewards ahead of qualifying for failing to follow instructions for practising race starts at the end of the pit lane. Delivering the verdict, the stewards' report read: "Car 55 performed a practice start in violation of the Race Director’s Event Notes, which only permit a practice start once the car has crossed the Line. "Car 55 had not crossed the line, and while the Stewards recognised that the situation ahead of him was confusing, consistent with prior decisions, they issue a Reprimand (Driving)."

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aus GP Australië 08 Mar 2026
chn GP China 15 Mar 2026
jpn GP Japan 29 Mar 2026
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sau GP Saoedi-Arabië 19 Apr 2026
usa GP Miami 03 May 2026
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RESULTS 2026 F1 Bahrain Pre-Season 2nd Test - Day 3