F1 world outraged over Carlos Sainz’s toilet punishment

Formula 1 fans have been left seeing red after the governing body dropped the hammer on a driver over a pre-race run to the toilet.

Formula One star Carlos Sainz has been slapped with a $AUD36,000 fine by the FIA for an unusual reason.

The Williams driver copped the fine for a breach of pre-race procedure despite suffering a medical issue at the Japanese Grand Prix.

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F1 drivers are expected to follow a strict schedule over the course of a race weekend, which includes being on the grid when the host country’s national anthem is played.

Sainz, 30, however wasn’t standing alongside his fellow drivers ahead of the Grand Prix getting underway as he had to race to the toilet.

The Spanish driver was battling a stomach issue and needed to duck back to the garage which ultimately saw him rejoin the grid after the national anthem was already underway.

Despite the medical issue, which required him to be given medication by a doctor, the FIA — Formula 1’s governing boy — slapped Sainz with a hefty fine.

“The Driver arrived at the national anthem position after the anthem had commenced,” an FIA statement read.

“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.”

Carlos Sainz joined his fellow drivers after the anthem had started.

In a sign of leniency, the FIA lowered the amount they could fine Sainz due to his stomach issues.

“It is noted that the Penalty Guidelines prescribed in Appendix B of the FIA International Sporting Code, list a penalty for this offence, of $110,000.

“However in mitigation, the driver stated that just prior to the anthem, he experienced discomfort due a stomach issue which delayed his appearance on the grid. This was verified by Dr Messina of Med-Ex who confirmed the issue and stated he had provided appropriate medication for the Driver.”

The move however to slug Sainz with a fine, despite knowing he had a medical issue, did not sit well with Formula 1 commentators who took aim at the FIA.

P1 podcast co-host Tommy Bellingham said: “It is absolutely insane. The fact that a doctor has basically said this was a legitimate reason and they’ve still gone ‘no you should have basically pooped your pants during the national anthem’ is quite an insane thing to do.”

Fellow co-host Matt Gallagher added: “I’m sorry, it’s not disrespect. If you’re in genuinely crippling pain or whatever Carlos was going through with the stomach issue, surely that comes first. It doesn’t mean it’s disrespect.”

Sainz joking through pit lane on his way to the grid. (Photo by Kym Illman/Getty Images)

One fan on X wrote: “An absolute joke.”

A second added: “How pathetic does one have to be to fine someone who was going through a medical issue? Oh wait that’s right, the FIA.”

A third fumed: So we’re fining people for medical issues now? Nice one FIA. Stay classy.”

The fine capped off a disappointing day for Sainz who failed to score points for his new team for the third straight race.

After starting from 15th on the grid, Sainz made up one place in a rather lacklustre Japanese Grand Prix as he crossed the line in 14th.

Teammate Alex Albon continued his impressive start to the season with his third straight top ten finish.

Williams currently sit fifth in the constructors standings on 19 points, marginally ahead of Haas on 15.

The Formula 1 paddock will return to the track next weekend for the Bahrain Grand Prix which will take place on Monday, April 14 from 1am (AEST).

Originally published as F1 world outraged over Carlos Sainz’s toilet punishment