Carlos Sainz slapped with $36k fine by FIA for being late to anthem
Carlos Sainz has been whacked by the FIA with a $36,000 AUD fine after he was running late to the national anthem before Sunday's race due to a stomach issue.
Sainz was reportedly in the medical centre seeing Dr. Messina of Med-Ex and had been administered medicine for his stomach discomfort prior to the F1 race, but was running late to stand in position for the Japanese national anthem due to being in the bathroom.
The usual fine of $109,487 AUD was reduced due to Sainz's extenuating circumstances, but the Spaniard was still slapped with a hefty breach by the FIA stewards.
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Carlos Sainz looks on in the garage during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Japan. Getty
"The driver arrived at the national anthem position after the anthem had commenced," the stewards noted in their explanation.
"During the drivers' briefing, all drivers were reminded of the requirement to be in position by the time prescribed in the regulations and the need to show respect for the host country's anthem.
"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."
Yuki Tsunodawas slapped with a similar fine in Montreal last year, when the team did not inform the current Red Bull driver of the ceremony's timing.
This was the third time Sainz visited the stewards during the weekend, the Williams driver already copping a three-place grid penalty for impeded Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton during qualifying. His team was also fined due to Sainz speeding in the pitlane.
The drivers stand for the national anthem on the grid prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka Circuit. Getty
He started the race from 15th place on the grid and provided a lacklustre move forward for one position, ultimately finished in 14th.
His teammate Alex Albon, who has had a impressive start to 2025, clocked a third top-ten finish for 9th, although his radio comments during the race highlighted that the Thai driver was struggling with shift-change issues.
Williams is currently sitting in fifth place in the constructors standings with 19 points.
The FIA has started 2025 with a iron fist for regulations, showing their strict rulings with the likes of Ferrari's double disqualification in Shanghai and a blanket ban on all swearing in every FIA-regulated category.
The next Formula 1 race is in Bahrain this weekend from April 12-14.
