Q3 at the Qatar Grand Prix saw unexpected drama when Carlos Sainz of Williams triggered a red flag after an unusual debris incident on track.
Sainz ran over a piece of plastic that became lodged near his front-left wheel, causing slight instability as he continued his lap. Moments later, the plastic dislodged and fell onto the racing line, forcing Race Control to immediately throw a red flag to clear debris and gravel from the circuit.
With just five minutes remaining, the halt came at a critical point in qualifying, interrupting all drivers preparing for their final flying laps.
Soon after, it was confirmed that Sainz has been placed under investigation—the stewards are reviewing whether he continued on track with loose debris attached to his car, potentially creating a safety risk for others.
Once the debris was cleared, Q3 resumed, but the spotlight now remains on the Williams driver as stewards deliberate on any possible consequences arising from the incident.
