Carlos Sainz Risks £34,000 Fine for … During Bahrain GP Press …Read more
Carlos Sainz could be hit with a £34,000 (€40,000) fine after using explicit language during a press conference ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix. The Ferrari driver voiced his frustration with the FIA following a hefty fine he received for being late to the national anthem ceremony at the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka.
Sainz, who had been dealing with stomach issues during that weekend, was delayed in getting to the grid due to needing to use the bathroom. While the standard fine for such a delay is £52,000 (€60,000), the stewards lowered it to £17,000 (€20,000) after reviewing medical documentations half of which was suspended. Still, the decision sparked backlash in the paddock.
Speaking at the FIA’s Thursday press conference ahead of round three in Bahrain, Sainz didn’t hold back in expressing his annoyance. “I consider myself someone who values punctuality especially for events like the national anthem with officials present,” he said. “I admitted I was late and apologized immediately. But I was only five seconds late and still had to pay €10,000. For me, that’s just over the top.”
He continued, “I don’t know if I’ll be fined again for saying this, but s*** happens. That’s just how it goes sometimes
Unfortunately for Sainz, that comment could see him penalized again. Under the FIA’s new offs season rules aimed at maintaining professionalism during official events, swearing in a press setting can result in a fine of up to £34,000. If enforced, it would make Sainz the first Formula 1 driver to be penalized under the new language policy.
While F1 drivers have so far been cautious with their words, other motorsports series have already seen enforcement. In the World Rally Championship, Hyundai’s Adrien Fourmaux was fined after swearing during a brief TV interview in Sweden, a decision that stirred controversy within the WRC paddock.
As scrutiny grows around driver conduct off the track, all eyes are on whether the FIA will follow through with the potential fine against Sainz
