Carlos Sainz has been handed a fine for his late arrival at the national anthem ceremony before the Japanese Grand Prix, with the Spaniard needing medical treatment
Carlos Sainz has been slapped with a brutal fine for his late arrival at the national anthem ceremony before the Japanese Grand Prix.
The Spaniard was late to the pre-race ceremony and was punished despite needing medical attention due to discomfort prior to the race.
Formula 1 races operate on a strict schedule that requires drivers to be in specific locations at set times. One such requirement is attendance at the playing of the host country’s national anthem.
However, Sainz was noticeably late at Suzuka on Sunday, an oversight that didn’t go unnoticed. The incident was reported to the stewards and both Sainz and his Williams team have been penalised with fines for his lateness.
In the meeting to discuss the issue, it was clarified to the stewards that Sainz had a good reason for his delay. A doctor treated the 30-year-old for stomach discomfort and was present to verify why the driver wasn’t on time.
Despite this being accepted as a mitigating factor, the stewards still deemed it necessary to fine both the driver and the team. Instead of the usual £51,000 fine given to a driver who is late for the national anthem, Sainz’s fine was reduced to £17,000 – half of which is suspended for a year.
The stewards explained their decision, stating: “The driver arrived at the national anthem position after the anthem had commenced. During the drivers’ briefing on Friday, all drivers were reminded of the requirement to be in position by the time prescribed in the regulations and the need to show respect for the host country’s anthem.
“It is noted that the penalty guidelines prescribed in Appendix B of the FIA International Sporting Code, list a penalty for this offence, of €60,000. However in mitigation, the driver stated that just prior to the anthem, he experienced discomfort due a stomach issue which delayed his appearance on the grid.
“This was verified by Dr Messina of Med-Ex who confirmed the issue and stated he had provided appropriate medication for the driver. Notwithstanding the above, displaying respect for the national anthem is a high priority and all parties need to consider every eventuality in planning to be in position for the anthem by the required time.”
Sainz began the race in 15th place on the grid after receiving a three-place penalty for blocking Lewis Hamilton during qualifying. He managed to make his way through the field but failed to secure points, finishing in 12th place.
Speaking after the race, Sainz said: “Unfortunately, as expected, it was a difficult race stuck in traffic after a costly Saturday, with some details to polish in qualifying and then the penalty. On a positive note, I think the pace was there today. I was comfortable with the car, managed to do some good overtakes and overall learnt a lot out there on track.
“Now, the focus is to carry the positive feeling of this weekend on to the next GPs and build from here. Once I start putting everything together, I know better results will come. On to Bahrain.”
