Masi explains decision to delay Sainz investigation in Abu Dhabi GP
Formula 1 race director Michael Masi has explained the decision to delay the stewards' investigation into Carlos Sainz Jr's alleged slow pitlane entry in Abu Dhabi
McLaren driver Sainz was placed under investigation by the race stewards in the F1 season finale for a possible slow entry to the pitlane, holding up Racing Point's Lance Stroll.
Despite an uneventful race and plenty of time to complete the investigation, the stewards confirmed they would only look at the matter after the race.
It meant McLaren had to wait for a decision before it could officially celebrate third place in the constructors' championship, with Sainz provisionally finishing sixth behind team-mate Lando Norris.
The stewards ultimately decided to take no further action after estimating Sainz only slowed enough to lose 0.6 seconds in the pitlane. They also accepted the Spaniard's explanation that he slowed down in response to the busy pitlane under the Virtual Safety Car.
Masi explained after the race that the stewards were eager to review all of available information in the incident, reasoning the decision to postpone the investigation.
"There was some data that was necessary that we wanted to get hold of, so that takes obviously a little bit longer to get," Masi said.
"As a result, it was easier to look at it completely after the race, once we had all of that available information, and was also helpful getting the perspectives of the respective drivers."
Asked by Autosport how "unnecessarily slow" was determined by the stewards, Masi said it was down to their judgement.
"Driving unnecessarily slowly in the pitlane comes about as a result of a discussion with all of the teams sporting directors and the stewards earlier this year," Masi said.
"So as long as we had to look at it all, it's a judgement. It's why we have stewards."
Stroll was told to "blend" into the fast lane of the pitlane after his pitstop as Sainz came past, and appeared to narrowly avoid an Alfa Romeo mechanic who was stood in the next pitbox.
Masi confirmed the stewards did note and look into the incident, but determined no investigation necessary.
"It was looked at, but it wouldn't be classified as an unsafe release," Masi said.
Alonso fastest in F1 Abu Dhabi young driver test for Renault
Alonso: F1 Abu Dhabi young driver test ignited "competitive spirit"
The five factors behind Sainz winning a British GP he’d twice lost
Formula 1 has a newest race winner, in a grand prix the victor appeared to have lost twice, only to charge back to headline a sensational and dramatic British Grand Prix. From a massive start crash to a late sprint finish, here’s how five factors saw Carlos Sainz take his maiden grand prix win
Why there was no case to answer in Aston’s latest F1 copycat saga
The appearance of a revised Aston Martin in Spain caused controversy but PAT SYMONDS explains why the FIA investigation found the Silverstone team had no case to answer
Why it's Red Bull that really leads a three-way fight so far at Silverstone
After a slow start to Friday at Silverstone, all the Formula 1 teams had to effectively cram in a day’s worth of practice into one hour. But there was still plenty to learn and while Ferrari topped the times, a three-way battle is brewing ahead of the British Grand Prix
Why the future is bright for the British GP
It wasn’t so long ago the situation looked bleak at Silverstone with the future of the British Grand Prix under threat. But a transformation has seen it restored to one of the most important races on the Formula 1 calendar, with bigger and better to come
Could mixed fortunes for F1's leading Brits turn around at Silverstone?
For the first time in many years, none of the local racers starts among the favourites for the British Grand Prix. But George Russell, Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris could have reasons for optimism
Verstappen exclusive: Why F1’s champion isn’t fazed by Silverstone return
Max Verstappen is the world’s number one racing driver… and he’s determined to keep it that way. Speaking exclusively to GP Racing's OLEG KARPOV, the Red Bull driver explains why he’s relishing the 2022 championship battle with Charles Leclerc – and why he’s not worried about returning to Silverstone, the scene of the biggest accident of his career last year
Why Red Bull’s RB17 hypercar can help its F1 team
On Tuesday, Red Bull laid out its plans to develop and build a new hypercar - the RB17 - penned by Adrian Newey. As the project itself sates Newey as a creative outlet, it also offers Red Bull's Formula 1 team a number of new and exciting avenues to pursue
What to expect from Mercedes as F1 returns to Silverstone
OPINION: The British Grand Prix is a home event for Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, with their Mercedes team based just a few miles away too. But there’s another reason why the Silver Arrows squad is eager to arrive at Silverstone this weekend, which may help it fix its remaining problems with its 2022 Formula 1 challenger