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The Spaniard was given a five-second penalty by the stewards for causing a collision with Fernando Alonso at the chaotic restart after the second red flag, which saw a string of incidents generate a third red flag.
The penalty was awarded before the resumption for the single lap run to the chequered flag behind the safety car. An emotional Sainz made it clear on team radio that he felt he should have been given a chance to explain the incident to the stewards.
In contrast, the collision between Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon that happened just seconds after the Sainz and Alonso clash was investigated after the race, resulting in no further action. In addition, a crash between Logan Sargeant and Nyck de Vries that saw both drivers end up in the gravel was not subject to a formal investigation.
For the resumption the cars were put back in the previous grid order, minus any missing cars, with Sainz in fourth place.
He subsequently crossed the line still fourth on the road, but with the whole field stacked up behind him he dropped to 12th in the final classification as the penalty clicked in.
If the penalty is ultimately rescinded Sainz would potentially get his fourth pla …