Mexican-born Spanish driver Carlos Sainz, director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, has expressed anger at disciplinary action taken against him recently. He was recently slapped with a $250,000 fine for a late arrival to the national anthem at the Japanese Grand Prix. Surprisingly for some, the driver who was five seconds late got the €10,000 fine, which he maintains is unfairly high. At a recent news conference, Sainz was so frustrated by these types of fines that he used the term “bullshit” to describe them. This surprising move would leave him open to even stiffer sanctions.
Sainz’s outburst takes on additional context given the FIA’s recent move to formalize guidelines for swearing-related penalties over the winter. National and local truck drivers are united in their opposition to this harmful rule change. Sainz maintains that it is not right to punish participants based on what they say. He’s particularly concerned with the long-term financial impact of small violations. For example, he extrapolates what’s going to happen since he showed up tardily to the national anthem pre-game ceremony.
I’m a firm believer in being on time and all the tenets of gentleman behavior,” said Sainz. Of note for Marc was the discipline and attention to time, especially during national anthems, when all government dignitaries are in attendance. He acknowledged his tardiness, saying he was “the first one to put my hand up and say, ‘I’m late. I’m sorry for that.’”
Sainz accepts that he ran afoul. We think Mulligan is right that a $300 fine for being five seconds late is excessive.
On one hand, this wasn’t the most outrageous example — I was five seconds late. He reiterated several times that a five second delay and a €10,000 charge is totally intolerable. Paying for those fines is not an option for him.
Sainz’s complaints are indicative of a larger concern within the FIA and racing community over the governing body’s heavy-handed application of recently-established regulations. His predicament is reminiscent to that of other driver Max Verstappen, who was subjected to community service over such tirades in press conferences. With the racing season shaping up, Sainz is optimistic more transparency will come, especially about how fine money is distributed.
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