Oscar Piastri’s and Carlos Sainz’s qualifying almost came to an early exit in Q1 at the Dutch Grand Prix, after the pair almost collided on the approach to Turn 2.
Piastri was on a prep-lap whilst Sainz was just exiting from the pits, before venturing across the circuit to get onto the racing line.
What Sainz didn’t realise was that Piastri was already on the racing line, with the Ferrari driver having not seen the McLaren driver in the mirror.
Piastri took to the grass to avoid Sainz hitting him, before the Ferrari driver got onto the radio to admit that he couldn’t see the rookie.
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Both drivers will have to visit the stewards to explain the incident, meaning a penalty to Sainz could potentially be awarded.
Despite the incident, both drivers made it into Q3.
Piastri had to settle for eighth on the grid, whilst Sainz did well to claim sixth.
The Ferrari driver managed to qualify ahead of Sergio Perez and Charles Leclerc, in what can be deemed as a positive session for the 28-year-old.
Piastri will likely be disappointed with ninth, considering that he’s shown good pace all weekend at Zandvoort.
The rookie has been a star in changing conditions so far this season, although he couldn’t get close to his team-mate this time.
Lando Norris secured second on the grid behind reigning World Champion Max Verstappen, who claimed pole by six-tenths of a second.
Piastri’s best time was a sizeable eight-tenths of a second slower Norris, leaving the Australian with a bit of work to do on Sunday should he want a top five finish.
It’s been a very up and down weekend for Piastri, who made his first real error on Friday.
Despite his strong pace, Piastri crashed heavily in Free Practice 1 at Turn 3, which triggered a crash for Daniel Ricciardo.
Ricciardo was unable to see until the last minute that Piastri had crashed ahead of him, leaving the AlphaTauri driver with a choice.
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The 34-year-old had to decide whether to hit Piastri or put his own car in a wall, with the latter having been chosen.
Due to how quickly it all happened, Ricciardo didn’t have time to take his hands off the steering wheel, resulting in a broken bone.
It’s ruled Ricciardo out of this weekend, with his appearance in Monza next weekend now in doubt.