Carlos Sainz has been fined €20,000 by the FIA stewards for being late for the nation anthem ahead of the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix. The Williams driver, who has struggled to get a hold of his new Grove machinery so far this season, was late due to a stomach upset.
According to the document published by the FIA, Sainz was “not in place for the National Anthem at the specified time of 1344hrs” before his Suzuka campaign, breaching Article 19.4 b) of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations.
The driver has been given a €20,000 fine, with €10,000 suspended for a 12-month period. This came despite Dr. Messina of Med-Ex verifying his stomach issues prior to the race, adding that they administered medication.
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Carlos Sainz, Williams
Photo by: Clive Rose / Getty Images
“The Driver arrived at the National Anthem Position after the Anthem had commenced,” the stewards noted in their explanation. “During the Drivers’ Briefing on Friday 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.”
The mitigating circumstances meant that the usual penalty of €60,000 wasn’t given.
“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,” the report confirmed.
