The results of the classification for the Chinese Formula 1 Grand Prix were the subject of controversy, as Aston Martin’s protest against the decision to allow Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz to continue competing after his accident was rejected. Aston Martin argued that Sainz’s actions violated F1’s sporting regulations, specifically Article 39.6, which states that any car that “stops on the track during qualifying” should not be allowed to continue. However, after a detailed hearing, the stewards concluded that the rule had not been consistently applied in the past and that race control had the discretion to determine the duration of the interruption. Aston Martin’s case also relied on a message from race control, but the stewards determined that the language used did not convey what Aston Martin suggested. In the end, Sainz and Ferrari will maintain their seventh place on the grid for the race, and Aston Martin will not have their protest fee refunded.
