'It's out of the question': Carlos Sainz fumes over harsh fine for last-minute toilet break in Japan
A furious Carlos Sainz has risked further sanctions from the FIA by speaking out against a heavy fine he was dished for a last-minute toilet break.
Sainz was slapped with a $36,000 fine (€20,000) - half of which was suspended - after he arrived at the front of the grid for the national anthem ahead of last weekend's Japanese Grand Prix just five seconds late.
The kicker? A "stomach issue" forced him to the loo minutes before the anthem, and he visited an F1 doctor for medication on his way back.
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Ahead of this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix, Sainz took full responsibility for being late, before appearing to break F1's new swearing ban.
"I'm the biggest supporter of punctuality and being, in a way, a gentleman and being punctual to things, especially an anthem with all the authorities there," Sainz said.
Carlos Sainz on his way back to the grid ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix. Getty
"I was the first one to put my hand up and say: 'I'm late, I'm sorry for that'. At the same time, I was five seconds late.
"To be five seconds late and have to pay €10,000 … it's out of the question that we're having to pay these fines.
"I don't know if I'm going to get another fine for saying this, but sh*t happens.
"It's the way it goes sometimes, and it was an expensive one. It's disappointing."
In their report handing down the fine, the Stewards noted the doctor's visit, but determined it was not a good enough excuse.
Sainz finished 14th at Suzuka. Getty
"The driver stated that just prior to the anthem, he experienced discomfort due a stomach issue which delayed his appearance on the grid," the report read.
"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 said he hoped the fines go to a good cause.
"As I've always said, I hope someone tells me where this money goes and (I can say) 'OK, at least it went to a nice cause'," he said.
"I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes."
Given Sainz made the comments in the official F1 press conference, he could be slapped with a first offence fine of about $73,000 (€40,000) if the FIA determine Sainz did swear by dropping the s-bomb. Drivers can be suspended for repeat offences.
Sainz is a director of F1's drivers' union the Grand Prix Drivers Association. The body has been hyper critical of the swearing crackdown, which covers drivers conducts in press conferences and other official capacities.
The Spaniard would be the first to be sanctioned under the new rules.
Practice for the Bahrain Grand Prix begins on Friday night (AEST), with the race scheduled for 1am Monday.
