FIA announce bizarre fine on F1 star after medical issue…. read more
The FIA has imposed an unusual fine on Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz after he failed to arrive on time for the pre-race national anthem ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix. Sainz, who recently moved to Williams from Ferrari for the 2025 season, was penalized with a €20,000 fine, though €10,000 of this amount will be suspended if he does not breach the same rule within the next 12 months. This decision has raised eyebrows given the circumstances surrounding his tardiness.
On the day of the Suzuka race, Max Verstappen claimed victory, marking his fourth consecutive win at the circuit, a feat no driver had ever achieved before. He successfully held off the McLaren drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, and with this win, Verstappen closed in on Norris in the drivers’ standings. Despite Verstappen’s dominant performance, another prominent driver, Carlos Sainz, was struggling to adjust to his new team and car. Sainz finished the race in 14th place, a disappointing result that compounded his challenges during the weekend.
The situation with Sainz took a bizarre turn when he was summoned by the stewards for missing the national anthem, a mandatory part of race day proceedings. The anthem is an important tradition in Formula 1, and all drivers are expected to be in position at the prescribed time. Sainz’s absence led to an investigation by the FIA, and after speaking with the driver, his team, and medical officials, the stewards handed down the fine. The investigation included reviewing video evidence, and Sainz’s statement that he had experienced a medical issue just before the anthem was taken into consideration.
Sainz explained that he had been feeling unwell due to a stomach issue shortly before the anthem, which caused a delay in his arrival on the grid. He mentioned that the discomfort was severe enough that it required him to seek medical attention. Dr. Messina from Med-Ex, the medical team on-site, confirmed Sainz’s condition and stated that medication was prescribed to address the issue. Despite this, the FIA still decided to impose the fine, although they acknowledged Sainz’s health situation and the fact that he had followed the necessary medical procedures.
The stewards’ report emphasized that respect for the national anthem is of the utmost importance in Formula 1, and all drivers are expected to be in position on time for this part of the ceremony. It was noted that all drivers had been reminded of this rule during the drivers’ briefing on Friday, where the importance of punctuality for the anthem was reiterated. Given the guidelines laid out in the FIA International Sporting Code, which list penalties for such offenses, a fine of €60,000 could have been imposed. However, in light of Sainz’s medical condition, the stewards decided to reduce the penalty, reflecting the mitigating circumstances.
The fine imposed on Sainz has drawn attention because of the relatively lenient amount compared to the potential maximum penalty. The FIA’s decision mirrors a similar fine given to another driver in the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix, where a similar breach of the anthem rule was penalized. While the penalty is seen as an acknowledgment of the situation’s complexity, the FIA stressed that respecting the anthem and being punctual is a fundamental expectation for all participants in the sport.
For Sainz, the issue adds to a string of difficulties he has faced since moving to Williams. The Spanish driver has struggled with adjusting to his new car, and the late arrival for the anthem further added to the scrutiny surrounding his performance and his transition between teams. Additionally, Sainz has a history of medical issues, having undergone emergency surgery for appendicitis just the previous year, which adds further context to his recent health-related problems.
In conclusion, while the fine imposed on Carlos Sainz is relatively small in comparison to the maximum penalty outlined by the FIA, it has sparked discussions due to the unusual circumstances surrounding his medical issue. The FIA has maintained that all drivers must adhere to the rules regarding the national anthem, but they took into account Sainz’s health situation and previous medical history in their decision. The fine serves as a reminder to all drivers about the importance of respecting the traditions and regulations of the sport, while also acknowledging that exceptional situations, like medical issues, may warrant some
flexibility.
