Breaking: F1 Star Fined After Japanese GP Amid Medical Emergency and… Read more
Carlos Sainz has found himself at the center of controversy after being hit with a €20,000 (approximately £17,000) fine by the FIA following the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix. The penalty was issued for his failure to attend the pre-race national anthem ceremony—an obligation for all Formula One drivers—after a last-minute medical issue prevented him from making it in time.
Medical Emergency Before the Race
The incident unfolded just moments before the start of the Japanese Grand Prix when Sainz was reportedly delayed due to a stomach issue. According to team sources, the Spaniard required urgent medical attention shortly before the race, which caused him to miss the official anthem proceedings. Although the FIA regulations are strict about attendance at the anthem ceremony, Sainz’s situation has raised questions about the flexibility of these rules in the face of health-related concerns.
Initially, the FIA handed down a €60,000 fine, but this was later reduced to €20,000 after considering the circumstances. Of the final amount, €10,000 has been suspended for a period of 12 months, conditional on no further breaches of similar nature within that timeframe.
“The Stewards acknowledge the medical situation that delayed Mr. Sainz’s arrival,” the official statement from the FIA read. “However, all drivers are expected to attend the national anthem ceremony, and arrangements should be made to accommodate this within their schedule.”
Community Backlash Over “Insensitive” Fine
The penalty has sparked significant backlash from fans, pundits, and even some former drivers. Critics argue that fining a driver for a medical emergency shows a lack of empathy and questions whether safety and health are genuinely prioritized by the sport’s governing body.
“This is a ridiculous decision,” one former driver stated. “Medical emergencies can’t be scheduled. We’re talking about someone who needed medical attention, not someone who chose to skip an event.”
Social media has also been buzzing with discontent. Hashtags like #SupportSainz and #FIAOutofTouch trended briefly in the aftermath of the announcement, with many calling the fine “absurd” and “inhumane.”
A Weekend to Forget for Sainz
Unfortunately, the fine wasn’t the only low point for Sainz during the weekend. On Saturday, he was handed a three-place grid penalty for impeding Lewis Hamilton during qualifying. Originally qualifying 12th, Sainz dropped to 15th on the grid, compounding an already difficult weekend.
The race itself offered little redemption. The Ferrari driver finished in 14th place, outside the points once again. It marked the third consecutive race where he failed to score, continuing a streak of underwhelming performances as pressure mounts for the team and driver alike.
While Ferrari showed competitive pace earlier in the season, the team has recently struggled with consistency and tire degradation issues. Sainz’s situation adds another layer of frustration to what has been a turbulent start to the 2025 campaign.
FIA Defends the Decision
In defense of their ruling, the FIA emphasized that all drivers are fully briefed on the importance of appearing at the national anthem ceremony. According to the rulebook, only exceptional and pre-cleared circumstances can excuse a driver’s absence. The FIA claimed that while they sympathize with Sainz’s condition, it was still a procedural violation.
“Even medical appointments should be planned to avoid missing critical ceremonial obligations,” the governing body stated. “We will continue to evaluate our processes but must maintain standards across all teams and drivers.”
This response, however, has done little to quell the criticism. Several voices within the paddock have since called for a reassessment of the rule and whether exceptions should be made for verifiable medical emergencies. Some have also suggested that team doctors or FIA medical officials should be empowered to intervene in such situations and formally excuse the driver.
Future Implications
This incident could potentially lead to a wider review of FIA regulations related to driver availability and medical contingencies. As Formula One continues to modernize and adapt to evolving standards of athlete welfare, incidents like this will undoubtedly shape future rulemaking.
For Sainz, the focus now shifts to regaining momentum on the track and moving past a week marred by penalties and public scrutiny. Whether the FIA will face further pressure to walk back or amend the decision remains to be seen, but the controversy has already stirred deep conversations about fairness, health, and the human side of racing.
