F1 Austrian Grand Prix DELAYED after shocking pre-race inc…read more
The 2025 Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring faced an unexpected and dramatic delay following a startling pre-race incident involving Williams driver Carlos Sainz. The event, which was anticipated by fans around the world, took a turn moments before the race was set to begin, disrupting the smooth flow of the weekend and raising serious safety concerns.
As the lights were preparing to signal the start of the race, all 20 drivers lined up on the grid, ready to commence their formation lap. However, trouble quickly arose when Carlos Sainz’s Williams car failed to move from its grid slot. The issue triggered an immediate aborted start procedure, forcing race control to delay the beginning of the Grand Prix.
Sainz quickly communicated with his team via radio, revealing that something was seriously wrong with the car’s drivetrain. In his message to the pit wall, the Spaniard said, “Something is stopping the car from moving forward or it’s stuck.” His car appeared to be locked in first gear, and attempts to get it going proved unsuccessful.
The situation escalated when the car appeared to emit smoke, followed by a fire breaking out, prompting marshals to rush to the scene. While no injuries were reported, the incident caused alarm both on and off the track. The formation lap was halted, and all other cars were directed back to the grid as safety crews addressed the emergency.
FIA officials and Williams engineers immediately launched an investigation to determine the cause of the failure. The sudden mechanical issue, coupled with the brief but intense fire, raised questions about the reliability of the Williams car and the overall safety protocols in place for the start of races.
Meanwhile, fans in the grandstands and viewers around the globe were left in suspense as they awaited updates on when the race would resume. The FIA confirmed a delay, allowing time for track officials to ensure the grid area was safe for the restart. There was no confirmation at the time whether Sainz would be able to take part in the race once it resumed, depending on the extent of the damage to his vehicle.
This dramatic turn of events adds to a string of unpredictable occurrences in the 2025 F1 season. The Austrian Grand Prix, typically a high-speed affair known for its intense battles and sweeping corners, was momentarily overshadowed by concerns over vehicle reliability and driver safety. The incident is likely to spark further discussions within the paddock about technical regulations and pre-race procedures in the weeks to come.
