Race control has intervened in the Belgian Grand Prix after issuing a black-and-white flag to Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz for repeated track limits violations. The warning, displayed during Lap 28 of 44, signals that Sainz is now on the brink of receiving a time penalty if he infringes again. Spa-Francorchamps, known for its punishing corners and narrow run-off zones, has seen multiple drivers struggle to stay within the white lines under relentless pressure from changing conditions.
The FIA confirmed the decision through an official message: “Black and white flag for Car 55 [SAI] – Track Limits.” This serves as the final warning for Sainz before harsher sanctions, such as a five-second time penalty, are applied. The Spaniard, already enduring a difficult race after an earlier setback, faces an uphill battle to climb from P19, where he trails the leaders by more than 16 seconds. Any further infringement could completely derail Ferrari’s hopes for salvaging valuable championship points from this chaotic weekend.
Track limits enforcement has been a recurring theme this season, and Spa has proven no exception. With drivers aggressively pushing through the high-speed Eau Rouge and Pouhon sections, several have flirted with the boundaries, but Sainz has emerged as the first to trigger the official warning. Teams have been instructed to remind their drivers about the strict clampdown, with race control emphasizing consistency and fairness across the grid.
While the top order remains fiercely contested—Oscar Piastri leading with Norris and Leclerc in pursuit—the midfield battles have grown increasingly intense, amplifying the likelihood of further breaches. Race control’s vigilance underscores its determination to maintain a level playing field, particularly on a circuit notorious for its blend of speed and treacherous corners. Sainz’s predicament serves as a cautionary tale for others, including Hamilton and Alonso, who are already on thin ice after prior track-limit investigations earlier this season.
As the race hurtles toward its climax, attention will focus on whether Sainz can steady his rhythm and avoid compounding Ferrari’s frustrations. With 16 laps remaining, every second counts, and any additional penalty could prove catastrophic. The Belgian Grand Prix, unpredictable as ever, now teeters between strategic mastery and the looming threat of regulatory sanctions—a delicate balance that could define the podium shake-up in the Ardennes.
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