Carlos Sainz is under scrutiny following his performance in the qualifying round for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, as there are concerns regarding his re-entry onto the track after an off-track incident. During Q1 in Las Vegas, challenging conditions led several drivers to utilize the escape roads at the Las Vegas Strip Circuit, with Sainz among them. Reports suggest that he may have rejoined the circuit unsafely, prompting race control to note the situation for a formal investigation after the qualifying session concluded.
Sainz managed to secure a position in the second qualifying round, finishing Q1 in P12. Meanwhile, his teammate Alex Albon faced a setback as he collided with the wall, resulting in damage to his FW47 and placing him in P16, thus eliminating him early from the competition. Footage captured during the session indicated that Sainz rejoined the circuit at Turn 5, just ahead of fellow competitor Lance Stroll, who was navigating the corner at the time.
However, in a surprising turn of events, Sainz ultimately finished qualifying in an impressive third place and was not penalized for the earlier incident. An official from the Aston Martin team clarified that Sainz’s actions did not pose any significant problems during the session. This fortunate outcome not only solidifies Sainz’s position for the race but also underscores the resilience and skill he possesses as a competitor.