In a shocking turn of events at the Japanese Grand Prix, Carlos Sainz found himself in a messy situation after a much-needed bathroom break led to a hefty fine from the FIA. The incident sparked outrage among drivers, with George Russell leading the charge in defending Sainz and criticizing the governing body for its strict enforcement policies.
Dubbed as a “pretty expensive poo” by Russell, the incident unfolded when Sainz arrived just five seconds late for the national anthem due to a stomach issue confirmed by doctors. Despite his valid reason, Sainz was slapped with a €30,000 fine, with €20,000 suspended, leaving many questioning the fairness of the punishment.
Russell, the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association chairman, expressed his frustration, stating, “It’s unfortunate that the FIA won’t listen to the drivers’ concerns about fines such as the one Sainz was slapped with.” He emphasized the need for collaboration and understanding from the governing body rather than strict penalties that do not consider the drivers’ genuine challenges and concerns.
Sainz, known for his punctuality and professionalism, was visibly disappointed by the situation, labeling it as “sh***y.” Despite being apologetic for his tardiness, he raised valid points about the exorbitant fines imposed and questioned where the money collected from such penalties goes.
The incident has reignited the debate around the FIA’s stringent regulations and the need for a more nuanced approach that takes into account the unique circumstances that drivers may face during race weekends. As the F1 community grapples with this controversial issue, the focus shifts to finding a balance between discipline and understanding in the high-pressure world of motorsport.