Aston Martin file protest against Chinese qualifying result

Indeed, the rules state: 'Any driver whose car stops oqn the track during the qualifying session will not be permitted to take any further part in that session.'

After hitting the wall - and thus causing the red flag - Sainz was able to return to his pit box under his own power. There the Spaniard received a new front wing and was sent back onto the track.

His Ferrari was not really damaged, and he subsequently reached Q3. On Sunday, Sainz will start the Chinese GP from seventh place, unless the stewards agree with Aston Martin. In that case, he will start 15th tomorrow, as that would have been his position at the end of Q2.