Carlos Sainz criticises FIA over 'disappointing' fine for being late to national anthem at Japanese GP

Carlos Sainz has hit out at the FIA for fining him €10,000 after an upset stomach caused him to be “five seconds” late to the pre-race rendition of the national anthem at last weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix.

The Williams driver arrived at the front of the grid moments after the anthem had begun in Suzuka, having unexpectedly needed to use the toilet.

A doctor at the circuit verified that Sainz was suffering from a “stomach issue” and had been provided with medication.

Due to what they considered to be “in mitigation” of the circumstances, the stewards reduced the prescribed penalty of €60,000 for such a breach of the regulations to €20,000, with half of the amount suspended subject to there being no further breaches in the next year.

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix, Sainz said: “I think I’m the biggest supporter of punctuality, and being punctual to things, especially a national anthem, with all the authorities there.

“So, I was the first one to put my hand up and say, ‘I’m late. I’m sorry for that.’

“At the same time, I was five seconds late. And to be five seconds late and have to pay 10,000 euros, for me is out of the question that we’re having to pay these fines.”

Driver fines have been a contentious issue under the leadership of FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, with strict new guidelines on swearing announced in January.

Sainz therefore risked further financial punishment as he continued to question the Suzuka decision.

The Spaniard said: “I don’t know if I’m going to get another fine for saying this, but **** happens. That’s the way it is. It’s the way it goes sometimes.

“I mean 10k, you guys know what 10k is here. For five seconds, it’s disappointing.”

“As I always said, I hope someone tells me where this 10k goes, and I can say at least it went for a nice cause, and I will be looking forward to see where they go.”

Sky Sports F1’s Bahrain GP Schedule

Friday April 11

8.50am: F3 Practice
10am: F2 Practice
12pm: Bahrain GP Practice One (session starts at 12.30pm)*
1.55pm: F3 Qualifying
2.40pm: F2 Qualifying
3.35pm: Bahrain GP Practice Two (session starts at 4pm)
5.15pm: The F1 Show

Saturday April 12

11.10am: F3 Sprint Race
1.15pm: Bahrain GP Practice Three (session starts at 1.30pm)
3.10pm: F2 Sprint
4.10pm: Bahrain GP Qualifying build-up
5pm: BAHRAIN GP QUALIFYING
7pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook

Sunday April 13

10.50am: F3 Feature Race
12.20pm: F2 Feature Race
2.30pm: Bahrain GP build-up: Grand Prix Sunday
4pm: THE BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX
6pm: Bahrain GP reaction: Chequered Flag
7pm: Ted’s Notebook

*also live on Sky Sports Main Event

Formula 1 continues its triple-header in Sakhir at the Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – No contract, cancel anytime

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