Carlos Sainz investigated by stewards ahead of Monaco Grand Prix qualifying

F1 preview: A lap of the Monaco Grand Prix

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Carlos Sainz is under investigation by the stewards for allegedly impeding Lance Stroll in the third practice session. The Ferrari star and a team representative was asked to visit the stewards at 1:30pm UK time (14:30 local time). 

He has been summoned for ‘unnecessarily impeding’ Stroll at turn 19, the Rascasse hairpin, during the opening half of the session. The FIA document said: “The driver and team representative are required to report to the Stewards at 14:30 in relation to the incident below: 

“The Stewards No / Driver 55 – Carlos Sainz. Reason: Alleged breach of Article 37.5 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations by Car 55 unnecessarily impeding Car 18 in Turn 19 at 13:21.”

However, the Spaniard is not the only driver caught out in this afternoon’s session. Red Bull are also facing the wrath of the stewards after Sergio Perez was also called to defend his actions. 

The Mexican has been caught blocking Mercedes’ George Russell at the same corner later on in the session. The FIA’s report said their incident took place less than ten minutes before the chequered flag. 

It said: “Alleged breach of Article 37.5 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations by Car 11 unnecessarily impeding Car 63 in Turn 18 at 13:51.”

Alfa Romeo’s Guanyu Zhou has also been summoned after he may have impeded Max Verstappen at turn 14.

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With Monaco’s tight circuit just over two miles in length, finding room to complete a fast lap is often one of the most tricky parts of the weekend. No driver has won from below third on the grid in the last 25 years meaning track positon is vital ahead of qualifying. 

Perez set the pace in FP3, going fastest in the final practice session ahead of Charles Leclerc. Sainz has been unable to match the pace of his team-mate so far and was around three-tenths down ahead of qualifying. 

Championship leader Verstapepn is also struggling with his Red Bull four-tenths slower than his team-mate.

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