Carlos Sainz is at risk of further punishment from the FIA after swearing when discussing the five-figure fine.
The Spaniard was fined 10,000 euros ($11,120) for failing to be in the grid position this season due to the start of the national anthem of Suzuka, the first driver to be fined for such an attack. Sainz explained to the FIA that “he experienced discomfort due to stomach problems that slowed the appearance on the grid.”
Despite the fact that the steward reduced the penalty, Sainz was still unhappy with both the amount of fines and the lack of clarity as to where the money would go.
“I’m the biggest advocate of being a gentleman and I think I’m punctual with things, especially the national anthem with all the authorities there,” Size said. “So I was the first person to raise my hand and say, ‘I’m sorry, I’m late.’ At the same time, I have to pay 5 seconds behind, 5 seconds behind, 10,000 euros etc.
“But yeah, I don’t know if I’ll say this and give you another fine, but s**t happens! That’s the way sometimes. 10,000 euros. I mean, I know 10,000 euros are here.
“As I always said, I can say someone to tell me where this 10,000 euro is going and say, ‘OK, at least they went for a good cause.’
The driver was recalled of his language at an official press conference, and Max Verstappen had to accomplish his public interest job to take the swearing in FIA media duties ahead of last year’s Singapore Grand Prix.
The Grand Prix Drivers Association (GPDA) has expressed concerns about the penalties that are being distributed and concerns related to how the financial amount generated by the fine is being spent.