Carlos Sainz is facing a fine of up to £34,000 (€40,000) after swearing in a press conference ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix. The Spaniard heavily criticised the FIA after he was hit with a monster fine for being late to the national anthem before the race at the Suzuka Circuit last weekend. Sainz was struggling with a stomach issue during the race weekend and needed to use the toilet before heading to the grid.
Ordinarily, the fine would have been £52,000 (€60,00), but the stewards reduced the punishment to £17,000 (€20,000) after receiving evidence from his doctors, half of which was suspended. This punishment was met with widespread controversy in the paddock, and Sainz spoke out about his frustration ahead of round three of the season at the Sakhir International Circuit.
“I think I am the biggest supporter of punctuality and being a gentleman and being punctual to things, especially the national anthem with all the authorities there,” he said in Thursday’s FIA press conference.
“I was the first one to put my hand up and say, ‘I am late, I am sorry for that’, but at the same time, I was five seconds late, and had to pay €10,000, and for me, it is out of the question that we’re having to pay these fines. I don’t know if I am going to get another fine for saying this, but s*** happens, it is the way it goes sometimes.
“It was expensive, and you guys know what 10k is, and for [being] five seconds late, it is disappointing. I hope someone tells me where this 10k goes and they say, ‘Okay, at least it went to a nice cause’ and I will look forward to seeing where it goes.”
Unfortunately for Sainz, his comment will likely land him in more hot water. As per the new regulations implemented by the FIA during the off-season, the 30-year-old’s swearing should earn him a £34,000 fine.
The new regulations were implemented as part of FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s crackdown on driver language. Max Verstappen was handed a community service punishment last season for a similar breach, but now there are monetary deterrents.
Until now, no F1 driver has received a fine with most being careful with their words in official press conferences, but in the World Rally Championship, it has been a different story. Hyundai driver Adrien Fourmaux was punished following a short TV interview in Sweden, sparking outrage from the rest of the grid.
