Carlos Sainz's Williams car catches fire before Austrian Grand Prix
- Carlos Sainz's car stalled on the grid prior to the race at the Red Bull Ring.
- While exiting the pit-lane, his car caught fire due to a brake failure.
- Sainz's hopes for the race were dashed as he retired before it even began.
The Austrian Grand Prix, scheduled to take place at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, faced an unexpected delay due to a serious incident involving Carlos Sainz. The former Ferrari driver, who was positioned to start the race from 19th place, experienced technical difficulties while on the grid. Specifically, Sainz's car stalled before the formation lap commenced, prompting the trackside marshals to intervene by pushing the car back into motion. This initial setback was merely a precursor to the chaos that would unfold moments later. Once Sainz managed to get his Williams away, he entered the pit-lane to ensure his car was in top condition for the race. However, the situation took a disastrous turn when the rear of his vehicle suddenly ignited due to a brake failure. Fire erupted unexpectedly, sparking immediate concern among the team and spectators. Quick to respond, the Williams mechanics and nearby marshals swiftly enacted emergency protocols, using fire extinguishers to control and extinguish the flames while Sainz remained in his cockpit. Despite the heroic efforts of the pit crew and emergency services, it became clear that the damage was significant enough to warrant a race retirement. Sainz, visibly upset by the sequence of events, willingly exited his car as per instructions from his race engineer. This incident left Sainz and the Williams team feeling both frustrated and defeated, knowing that their race was over before it had even started. The team principal, James Vowles, expressed his disappointment, watching helplessly as their hopes for the race dissolved in flames. In summary, what was anticipated to be a thrilling event at the Austrian Grand Prix turned into a chaotic scene marked by technical malfunctions and a fire incident involving Carlos Sainz's car. The team's preparation and aspirations for a successful race weekend were shattered in an instant, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of motorsport. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present risks and technical challenges in Formula 1 racing.