The FIA has set the date and time for the appeal filed by Williams to be reviewed by Formula 1 stewards. Williams initiated a right of review process following the penalty imposed on Carlos Sainz during the recent Dutch Grand Prix.
Sainz expressed frustration at Zandvoort after being penalized for a collision with Liam Lawson, receiving a 10-second time penalty and two penalty points on his racing license. Subsequently, Williams requested a review hearing at the Italian Grand Prix.
The FIA has announced that the hearing will take place on Friday, September 12, at 2:30 pm UK time, conducted virtually via video conference to allow the Zandvoort stewards to reconvene.
Although the time penalty cannot be overturned as Sainz served it during a pit stop, Williams aims to challenge the two penalty points on his license. Team principal James Vowles seeks a transparent dialogue with the stewards to clarify racing rules for the future.
Historically, winning a right of review hearing has been challenging for the complainant, with the FIA often not upholding the appeal. The upcoming hearing will follow a two-part process, requiring significant new evidence to be presented.
In the event of progress, a representative from Racing Bulls, Lawson’s team, will participate in the second part of the hearing. Williams currently holds the fifth position in the constructors’ championship with 86 points, facing competition from Racing Bulls in the midfield battle. Racing Bulls are seventh with 61 points, trailing Aston Martin by one point.