Sainz at risk of Mexico grid drop for Antonelli clash
Formula 1

Sainz at risk of Mexico grid drop for Antonelli clash

by Josh Suttill
1 min read

Carlos Sainz is at risk of picking up a five-place grid penalty for the Mexican Grand Prix as a result of his race-ending clash with Kimi Antonelli's Mercedes in Austin.

Sainz made a strong start to the US GP, moving up from ninth into eighth via a move on Ollie Bearman's Haas.

He closed up to the back of Kimi Antonelli's Mercedes and attempted an ambitious move at the tight Turn 15 left-hander.

But Sainz found Antonelli in his path, locking up as he tried to avoid the Mercedes, which he instead pitched into a spin.

Sainz blamed Antonelli for 'turning in' to the corner. Given he came from a long way back and crucially didn't have his front axle alongside Antonelli's mirror prior to, and at the apex, of the corner, Sainz is likely to face a penalty.

Given he had to retire his Williams shortly afterwards, Sainz would be unable to serve any penalty, which means it would be converted into a grid drop for the Mexican GP.

It would also likely result in two penalty points to add to the two Sainz picked up earlier in the year - ironically for causing a clash with Antonelli in Bahrain.

The stewards will investigate the clash after the race.

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