Ferrari fails to overturn Sainz's penalty in dramatic Australian Grand Prix finish

Sainz's Penalty Appeal Rejected

Sainz collided with fellow Spaniard Fernando Alonso during the restart after the third of four red flags at the action-packed race in Melbourne.

The five-second penalty he received plunged him from fourth place to 12th as the race concluded under a safety car.

Upon hearing the news in the cockpit, an emotional Sainz expressed his frustration, exclaiming, "No, it's unacceptable.

"Tell them it is unacceptable. Tell them they need to wait until the race is finished and discuss it with me. Clearly, the penalty is not deserved – it's too severe."

In their attempt to overturn the penalty, Ferrari presented a statement from Sainz, supportive post-race interviews from other drivers, including Alonso, and telemetry data.

However, the stewards maintained their original decision, stating, "There is no significant and relevant new element which was unavailable to the parties seeking the review at the time of the decision concerned. The petition is, therefore, dismissed."

Ferrari disappointed but respectful of FIA decision

Ferrari issued a statement acknowledging the FIA's decision, saying:

"We are naturally disappointed, and felt that we had provided sufficient significant new elements for the FIA to re-examine the decision especially in the context of the particular conditions and multiple incidents that occurred during the final restart."

Although disappointed, the team remained respectful of the process, stating, "We are now looking forward to entering broader discussions with the FIA, F1 and all the Teams, with the aim of further improving the policing of our sport, in order to ensure the highest level of fairness and consistency that our sport deserves."