Formula 1 fans were left shocked as Carlos Sainz, the renowned F1 star, created a stir at the Bahrain Grand Prix with his fiery outburst directed at the FIA. Sainz, who had just received a hefty €20,000 fine (half of which was suspended) for being late for the national anthem in Japan, expressed his frustration during a press conference. The Williams driver defended himself, attributing his tardiness to an unforeseen medical issue, but slammed the FIA for what he perceived as excessive punishment.
In a bold move that could land him in further trouble, Sainz openly criticized the FIA’s stringent approach, stating, “For me, it’s out of the question that we’re having to pay these fines. I don’t know if I’m going to get another fine for saying this but s*** happens – it’s the way it is.” The FIA has been cracking down on drivers using foul language, a decision that has not been well-received by many prominent figures in the sport.
Defending world champion Max Verstappen has been vocal about his disapproval, hinting in the past that he might consider leaving the sport if such policies persist. Meanwhile, Sainz, who recently joined Williams from Ferrari, is eager to turn around his performance after a lackluster start to the season, with just one point from the first three races.
As the F1 world watches with bated breath, Sainz’s remarks have only added fuel to the fire in an already intense season. Will his bold statements shake up the sport even further, or will he face the consequences of his candidness? Stay tuned as the drama unfolds on the tracks of Sakhir.