Sainz FUMES as FIA punishments under scrutiny

By Joe Murphy

Carlos Sainz has criticized the FIA for imposing a €10,000 (£8,614) fine on him after he was five seconds late to the national anthem ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix due to an upset stomach.

The Williams driver arrived just as the anthem began in Suzuka after unexpectedly needing to use the restroom. A circuit doctor confirmed that Sainz was dealing with a stomach issue and had received medication.

The stewards initially planned a €60,000 (£51,689) fine for this breach of protocol but reduced it to €20,000 (£17,229), with half the amount suspended on the condition that Sainz doesn’t commit any further violations over the next year.

Ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, Sainz expressed his frustration: “I’m a big supporter of being punctual, especially for the national anthem with all the authorities present. I was the first to admit I was late, and I’m sorry for that. But to be five seconds late and then fined €10,000 seems excessive.”

He added: “Fines like these are hard to accept. We’re talking about a small delay, and the penalty is disproportionate.”

The issue of driver fines has become a point of contention under FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s leadership, particularly after the introduction of stricter guidelines on swearing earlier this year.

Sainz continued to question the reasoning behind the fine: “I don’t know if I’ll get another fine for saying this, but **** happens. That’s just the way things go sometimes. €10,000 for five seconds? It’s disappointing. I just hope someone can tell me where this fine is going and if it’s for a good cause.”

Mercedes driver George Russell, also head of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), shared his own frustrations. He joked that Sainz’s fine had turned into “a pretty expensive poo” and reiterated his stance on the ongoing issue. Russell explained that while the drivers have raised their concerns over the last six months, little progress has been made.

He said: “We’ve discussed this extensively, but honestly, I don’t want to say much more on the matter. We’ve said all we can, and unfortunately, it’s had little impact so far. Now, it’s up to F1 president Stefano Domenicali to address this issue.”

Whether or not Sainz will face further penalties for swearing during the latest press conference remains to be seen with no official confirmation being made as of yet.