18 April 2023 , 12:30
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Ferrari's attempt to change the result of the Australian Grand Prix has failed after the FIA dismissed their right of review petition.
The team was left furious after leaving Melbourne without a single point to show for their efforts. Charles Leclerc was spun on the first lap and beached his car in the gravel, but the way in which the day ended for Carlos Sainz was the particularly tough pill to swallow.
The Spaniard was fourth on the road when he crossed the finish line, but would not be classified in that position. He had been slapped with a five-second time penalty for spinning compatriot Fernando Alonso during a race restart with just two laps to go.
It was one of several incidents which took place at the same time and led to another red flag. In the end, it was decided that the last lap would be run behind the safety car with the 12 cars still standing.
Alonso kept hold of third place despite the spin, meaning the contact from Sainz was inconsequential. Regardless, the stewards felt the collision was severe enough to warrant a five-second time penalty for the Ferrari racer.
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Because the race finished behind the safety car, Sainz had no opportunity to mitigate the effect of the penalty. So although he was fourth on the road, he was immediately demoted to 12th place – last of those who finished.
The Spaniard was apoplectic over what he felt was an unjust sanction. His team shared his frustration and, a few days later, Ferrari chief Frederic Vasseur declared his intention to request a right of review hearing with the FIA.
Fred Vasseur's attempt to overturn Sainz's penalty failed (Getty Images)That hearing was due to take place on Tuesday, but the FIA threw out the petition. Explaining why, the governing body noted in an official document that Ferrari did not provide "significant and relevant new information which was unavailable to the parties seeking the review at the time of the decision concerned".
While a blow for Ferrari, it is good news for their rivals. Lance Stroll inherited fourth place from Sainz to make another excellent weekend for Aston Martin, while Sergio Perez also earned a few extra points in his bid to keep up with Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen in the title fight.
In a statement, Ferrari said: "We acknowledge the FIA decision not to grand us a right of review in relation to the penalty imposed on Carlos Sainz at the 2023 Australian Grand Prix. We are naturally disappointed and felt that we had provided sufficient 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.
"We are, however, respectful of the process and of the FIA decision. 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."