Stewards take no action over Kvyat-Sainz incident

Spanish Grand Prix race stewards decided no further action was required in the aftermath of the incident between Daniil Kvyat and Carlos Sainz in the closing stages of the race in Barcelona

Toro Rosso rookie Sainz overtook Red Bull's Kvyat going into Turn 1, the duo touched wheels and Sainz used the run-off area to avoid further contact. Kvyat was alleged to have changed direction on multiple occasions, a little earlier, on the start-finish straight.

The stewards deemed: "On each alleged breach, no further action is deemed warranted," read a report from the stewards. In relation to the alleged breach of Article 20.3 [Kvyat changing direction] the stewards accept the statement of the driver of Car 26, the concurrence of the driver of Car 55 and confirmation from the video evidence, that the first two moves were not defensive and that only the third move was defensive."

"In relation to the alleged breach of Article 16.1 [minor contact] the stewards agree with the assertions of the drivers and team representatives that this was a racing incident. In relation to the alleged breach of Article 20.2 [Sainz re-joining] the stewards consider that Car 55 was in front at the time it entered the corner and accept the evidence of the driver that he slowed in re-joining the track at Turn 2 and gave room at Turn 3 for Car 26, in order to avoid gaining a lasting advantage. The driver of Car 26 also admitted that he slowed at Turn 2 and gave room for Car 55 to re-join the track."

Sainz thus keeps ninth-place finish, with Kvyat tenth.