Carlos Sainz is at risk of further punishment from the FIA after swearing when discussing a five-figure fine he was assessed for being “five seconds late” to the national anthem at the Japanese Grand Prix.
The Spaniard was given a €10,000 ($11,120) fine for failing to be in position on the grid for the start of the national anthem at Suzuka, the first driver to be fined for such an offense this season. Sainz explained to the FIA that “he experienced discomfort due a stomach issue which delayed his appearance on the grid,” which was verified by a doctor and was accepted as a mitigating factor that saw a reduction from the amount of €60,000 ($66,710) given in the penalty guidelines.
Despite the fact the stewards reduced his penalty, Sainz was still frustrated by both the amount he was fined and the lack of clarity over where the money will go.
“I think I’m the biggest supporter of being a gentleman, being punctual to things, especially a national anthem with all the authorities there,” Sainz said. “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 or whatever… For me, it’s out of the question that we’re having to pay these fines.
“But yeah, I don’t know if I’m going to get another fine for saying this, but s**t happens! It’s the way it is. It’s the way it goes sometimes. It is 10,000 Euros. I mean, you guys know what 10,000 Euros is here. And for five seconds, it’s disappointing.
“As I always said, I hope someone tells me where this 10,000 Euros goes and I can say, ‘OK, at least they went for a nice cause’ and I will be looking forward to see where they go.”
Drivers have been reminded about their language in official press conferences, with Max Verstappen required to accomplish some work of public interest for swearing during FIA media duties ahead of last year’s Singapore Grand Prix.
The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) has also since voiced its concerns relating to the punishments being handed out, and how significant financial sums generated by fines are spent.
