Fine in Japan: Sainz regrets the FIA's decision... and faces a new sanction

The FIA ​​may not be finished with it Carlos Sainz. Indeed, the Spaniard faces a new sanction after using a profanity in a press conference on Thursday at the Sakhir circuit. Context: in Japan, the driver Williams was fined 20 euros, 000 of which was suspended for the next 10 months. The reason? The four-time Grand Prix winner arrived late for the official moment of the national anthem., a time when all drivers must report to the front of the grid. Carlos Sainz, who was ill and suffering from "stomach problems," was in the toilet at the time and arrived a few seconds after the start of the Japanese anthem.

Less than a week after this already rather comical episode, Carlos Sainz reacted to the fine he received. "I don't know if I'll get another fine for saying this, but 'shit happens.' That's how it goes sometimes.", he declared during of the press conference organized by the FIA, on the sidelines of the Bahrain Grand Prix. And the Spaniard couldn't have been more right: in fact, by using these terms, the Madrid driver is now exposed to a new fine, possibly heavier than the first. An FIA delegate, who was present in the press room, confirmed that Carlos Sainz's case was being assessed and that it could be submitted to the stewards for review this Friday.

Sainz to face a heavy fine?

If the stewards decide to sanction him again, then the Williams driver would be on his second offense which, according to the new FIA sanction grid, could cost him a fine of 80 euros and a one-month suspended suspension! While Carlos Sainz was keen to apologize again during the press conference, the Spaniard emphasized the ridiculousness of his first fine received in Japan. “I was the first one to come up and say, 'I'm late. I'm sorry.' At the same time, I was five seconds late, he assured. For me, there's no way we're going to have to pay these fines for being five seconds late, and that we're going to have to pay 10 euros. For five seconds, it's disappointing. I hope someone tells me where that 000 euros is going and they think, 'Well, at least it was for a good cause.' I can't wait to see where [that money] goes."

ALSO READ > Norris responds to Verstappen: "He can come and test the McLaren whenever he wants, I'll be happy to see his disappointment"