Williams Explains Timing of Right of Review Over Sainz Dutch GP Penalty

Williams team boss James Vowles has explained why the team waited until the end of the 96-hour deadline to file a right of review against Carlos Sainz’s penalty from the Dutch Grand Prix.

Sainz was handed a 10-second penalty and two penalty points on his licence for colliding with Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson at Zandvoort. Williams subsequently filed for a review, and the FIA has confirmed a hearing will be held on Friday, 12 September, with both teams invited to present their cases.

Speaking in his regular Vowles Verdict debrief, Vowles outlined the reasoning behind the timing. “The decision to do a right of review actually took place on the Monday,” he said. “I wanted to make sure we reflected on it on the Sunday, not overreact, but rather look back through the footage on Monday, have a chat with Carlos before we make a decision to go ahead.”

Vowles stressed that the process requires more than simply re-examining existing footage: “You need information effectively that wasn’t available to the stewards at the time of the decision. And that information has to be new, and it has to be significant. Onboard footage, helicopter footage, other angles – all of that was available to the stewards at the time and therefore doesn’t comply with the requirement.”

He added that much of the time was spent assessing whether new and significant evidence could be gathered. “We’re respectful of the FIA and the stewards in the circumstance. This is not something we want to pull together in a matter of minutes, but rather make sure we’re putting forward a comprehensive case that is worth their time in order to talk through.”

The outcome of the right of review will determine whether the stewards reopen the case against Sainz and reconsider the penalty. Until then, Williams insists its approach has been measured and deliberate, aimed at ensuring fairness rather than rushing to challenge the decision.

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