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.
Highlights from the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix from the Suzuka Circuit
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.
George Russell admits changes are ‘concerning’ after the news the FIA deputy president Robert Reid resigns over ‘standards breakdown’
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
Sky Sports F1’s Martin Brundle explains how to win the Bahrain Grand Prix
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
This news was originally published on this post .
About the author
Foden inspires chaotic win over struggling Leeds as Man City move second
Phil Foden scored twice to inspire a chaotic 3-2 win for Manchester City over struggling Leeds that moves them to second in the Premier League table.The result of the game was in jeopardy until the 91st minute, when Foden netted his second of the afternoon after Pep Guardiola's side had inexplicably blown a two-goal lead. City's advantage was established 59 seconds into the match - the quickest opening goal of the Premier League season so far - and extended when Josko Gvardiol converted from a corner. Leeds offered nothing to suggest an upturn was imminent, unable to even land a shot on target. Image: Foden also scored the winner in the 91st minute Under-fire Leeds boss Daniel Farke needed an urgent response and got it via substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who sparked the unlikeliest of turnarounds, pulling a scrappy goal back […]
Tom Brady’s ELECTRIC Pregame Speech to Michigan 😤 Brady & Derek Jeter Talk BEST Rivalries & More
big noon kickoff Video Details Tom Brady and Derek Jeter joined "Big Noon Kickoff to discuss the matchup between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Michigan Wolverines, the best rivalries in sports and more! Tom Brady also shared his electric pregame speech to Michigan. 3 MINS AGO・big noon kickoff・4:47
How to Bet on Rivalry Week: Ohio State vs. Michigan, Alabama vs. Auburn and More
This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.Betting on Rivalry Week has never been more exciting with DraftKings, FanDuel, Bet365, Underdog, and BetMGM offering the best rivalry week promo codes of 2025. Place a small bet, get massive credits, and turn every big college football showdown into a weekend full of opportunity.This week, the intensity is off the charts. No. 1 Ohio State goes head-to-head with No. 15 Michigan in one of the fiercest rivalries in all of sports, while No. 10 Alabama goes to Auburn. Auburn could end the Crimson Tide's playoff hopes if they pull off the upset. More intense rivalries take the field with playoff hopes at stake. Every touchdown, breakaway run, and game-changing […]
DraftKings Rivalry Week Promo: Bet $5, Get $200 on any Rivalry Week Game
This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.DraftKings is making Rivalry Week bigger than ever with the DraftKings Rivalry Week Promo: Bet $5, Get $200 on any Rivalry Week Game. Place just five dollars on any matchup this weekend and get $200 in Bonus Bets instantly to use on the biggest college football showdowns.The action is electric as the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes look to end their four-game skid against the No. 15 Michigan Wolverines and No. 10 Alabama Crimson Tide face the Auburn Tigers, with every snap, run, and touchdown carrying decades of rivalry history. This is the perfect chance to put your bets where the intensity is highest and turn Rivalry Week into a […]
FanDuel Rivalry Week Promo Code: Bet $5, Get $150 if Your Team Wins on Rivalry Week
This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.FanDuel is heating up Rivalry Week with the FanDuel Rivalry Week Promo Code: Bet $5, Get $150 if Your Team Wins on Rivalry Week. Place just five dollars on your team and get $150 in Bonus Bets if they come out on top, giving you the perfect chance to cash in on the most intense games of the season.Another wild weekend in rivalry week. The No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes face No. 15 Michigan Wolverines, No. 10 Alabama kicks off against Auburn, and the No. 6 Oregon Ducks take on the Washington Huskies, with every play adding to another chapter of the rivalry and playoff seeding on the line. Every […]
More important: BEATING Michigan, Ohio State or WINNING National Championship? 🤔 Big Noon Kickoff
big noon kickoff Video Details Urban Meyer, Charles Woodson, Mark Ingram and Dave Portnoy discuss whether beating your rival (Michigan or Ohio State) or winning a National Championship is more important. 3 MINS AGO・big noon kickoff・3:44
Related
Foden inspires chaotic win over struggling Leeds as Man City move second
Phil Foden scored twice to inspire a chaotic 3-2 win for Manchester City over struggling Leeds that moves them to second in the Premier League table.The result of the game was in jeopardy until the 91st minute, when Foden netted his second of the afternoon after Pep Guardiola's side had inexplicably blown a two-goal lead. City's advantage was established 59 seconds into the match - the quickest opening goal of the Premier League season so far - and extended when Josko Gvardiol converted from a corner. Leeds offered nothing to suggest an upturn was imminent, unable to even land a shot on target. Image: Foden also scored the winner in the 91st minute Under-fire Leeds boss Daniel Farke needed an urgent response and got it via substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who sparked the unlikeliest of turnarounds, pulling a scrappy goal back […]
Tom Brady’s ELECTRIC Pregame Speech to Michigan 😤 Brady & Derek Jeter Talk BEST Rivalries & More
big noon kickoff Video Details Tom Brady and Derek Jeter joined "Big Noon Kickoff to discuss the matchup between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Michigan Wolverines, the best rivalries in sports and more! Tom Brady also shared his electric pregame speech to Michigan. 3 MINS AGO・big noon kickoff・4:47
How to Bet on Rivalry Week: Ohio State vs. Michigan, Alabama vs. Auburn and More
This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.Betting on Rivalry Week has never been more exciting with DraftKings, FanDuel, Bet365, Underdog, and BetMGM offering the best rivalry week promo codes of 2025. Place a small bet, get massive credits, and turn every big college football showdown into a weekend full of opportunity.This week, the intensity is off the charts. No. 1 Ohio State goes head-to-head with No. 15 Michigan in one of the fiercest rivalries in all of sports, while No. 10 Alabama goes to Auburn. Auburn could end the Crimson Tide's playoff hopes if they pull off the upset. More intense rivalries take the field with playoff hopes at stake. Every touchdown, breakaway run, and game-changing […]
DraftKings Rivalry Week Promo: Bet $5, Get $200 on any Rivalry Week Game
This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.DraftKings is making Rivalry Week bigger than ever with the DraftKings Rivalry Week Promo: Bet $5, Get $200 on any Rivalry Week Game. Place just five dollars on any matchup this weekend and get $200 in Bonus Bets instantly to use on the biggest college football showdowns.The action is electric as the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes look to end their four-game skid against the No. 15 Michigan Wolverines and No. 10 Alabama Crimson Tide face the Auburn Tigers, with every snap, run, and touchdown carrying decades of rivalry history. This is the perfect chance to put your bets where the intensity is highest and turn Rivalry Week into a […]
FanDuel Rivalry Week Promo Code: Bet $5, Get $150 if Your Team Wins on Rivalry Week
This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.FanDuel is heating up Rivalry Week with the FanDuel Rivalry Week Promo Code: Bet $5, Get $150 if Your Team Wins on Rivalry Week. Place just five dollars on your team and get $150 in Bonus Bets if they come out on top, giving you the perfect chance to cash in on the most intense games of the season.Another wild weekend in rivalry week. The No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes face No. 15 Michigan Wolverines, No. 10 Alabama kicks off against Auburn, and the No. 6 Oregon Ducks take on the Washington Huskies, with every play adding to another chapter of the rivalry and playoff seeding on the line. Every […]
More important: BEATING Michigan, Ohio State or WINNING National Championship? 🤔 Big Noon Kickoff
big noon kickoff Video Details Urban Meyer, Charles Woodson, Mark Ingram and Dave Portnoy discuss whether beating your rival (Michigan or Ohio State) or winning a National Championship is more important. 3 MINS AGO・big noon kickoff・3:44
Be the first to leave a comment