Carlos Sainz’s misfortune in Japan continues unabated. The Madrid-born driver not only faced a grid penalty after qualifying at Suzuka, but now also receives a monetary fine after the main race. Carlos Sainz Jr arrived much too late for the national anthem before the race due to stomach pain. The FIA is relentless, imposing a fine of €10,000 on the Williams driver.
For Carlos Sainz, the race weekend at Suzuka is one to quickly forget. The Spaniard drove unremarkably at the back of the field, finishing fourteenth. As a result, the Madrid-born driver couldn’t take any points home for Williams, but he does receive a bill. Sainz was late for the Japanese national anthem, for which he received a fine of €10,000.
“The driver Carlos Sainz is fined €20,000, of which €10,000 is conditional,” reads the official statement from the stewards. The Madrid-born driver does not have to pay the second €10,000 if he is not late for the national anthem again in the coming year. “The driver arrived only after the national anthem had already ended.”
Stomach Pain
Sainz eventually arrived much too late at his spot for the national anthem due to stomach pain before the race. Therefore, the FIA does not issue the full fine of €60,000 to the Williams driver. “Nevertheless, showing respect for the national anthem is of the highest priority and all parties involved must plan for every scenario so that the driver is in the right position on time.”
