Motor racing-Sainz's Vegas penalty was wrong but unavoidable, says Warwick

Nov 17, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Scuderia Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz (55) of Spain drives during the qualifiers at the Las Vegas Strip Circuit. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports/ File photo

LONDON (Reuters) - Carlos Sainz's Las Vegas Grand Prix grid penalty last month was wrong but unavoidable, according to Formula One race steward Derek Warwick who was on the panel that imposed it on the Ferrari driver.

Spaniard Sainz was handed a 10-place grid penalty through no fault of his own after a metal drain cover came loose and wrecked his speeding car when it drove over it, forcing the cancellation of opening practice.