Carlos Sainz Faces FIA Backlash for Outburst Over Japanese GP Fine
Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz is under fire from the FIA after expressing his frustration over a hefty fine he received for being late to the national anthem ceremony at the Japanese Grand Prix. The Spaniard was slapped with a €10,000 ($11,120) penalty for his tardiness, a move that could see him facing further consequences from the governing body.
Sainz, who was the first driver to be fined for such an offense this season, cited a stomach issue as the reason for his delay, which was corroborated by a doctor. This explanation led to a reduction in the fine from an initial €60,000 ($66,710) outlined in the penalty guidelines.
Despite the reduction, Sainz was displeased with the amount of the fine and the lack of transparency regarding where the money would be allocated. He vented his frustrations, saying, “I think I’m the biggest supporter of being a gentleman, 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 or whatever… For me, it’s out of the question that we’re having to pay these fines.”
The driver’s candid remarks could land him in hot water with the FIA, especially after he bluntly stated, “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.”
The incident has also sparked discussions within the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) regarding the severity of fines imposed on drivers and the transparency in allocating the funds generated through penalties. The FIA has been urged to address these concerns raised by drivers to ensure fair treatment and clarity in the disciplinary process.
