F1 driver fined for late arrival at Japanese GP; understand the reason

English  UK  USA Posted on  —by tbcosta

Carlos Sainz fined for late arrival at the Japanese GP - understand the reason!Carlos Sainz fined for late arrival at the Japanese GP – understand the reason! (Instagram @williamsracing)

Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz Jr. was fined $21,600 for arriving late to the national anthem ceremony before the Japanese Grand Prix, despite having received medical attention.

According to the FIA rules, all drivers must be in position before the anthem begins, and this requirement had been reinforced during the drivers’ meeting on Friday.

Sainz explained the delay by stating that he had suffered stomach issues just before the ceremony, which was confirmed by a doctor who also provided him with the appropriate medication. The FIA recognized this as a mitigating circumstance, but emphasized that respect for the national anthem is a priority and that everyone must be prepared for unforeseen events.

Despite the medical explanation, the violation still resulted in a penalty — although reduced compared to the standard fine of $64,800, as happened in a similar case in Canada in 2024.

Despite the health issue, Sainz was able to compete in the race and finished in 14th place.

Source: LADbible | Photo: Instagram @williamsracing | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team

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