Sainz receives fine for missing national anthem ceremony at Japanese GP

Williams driver Carlos Sainz has received a fine from FIA stewards after missing the national anthem ceremony before the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit.

The €20,000 penalty, with €10,000 suspended for 12 months, came after Sainz — experiencing stomach issues — required medical attention before the race began.

“The driver arrived at the national anthem position after the anthem had commenced,” stated the stewards. “All drivers were reminded during Friday’s briefing about the requirement to be in position at the prescribed time and the importance of showing respect for the host country’s anthem.”

Dr. Messina from Med-Ex verified Sainz’s condition and administered medication — this led stewards to reduce the fine from the standard €60,000 amount.

Sainz, who started from 15th after a three-position grid penalty for impeding Lewis Hamilton during qualifying, finished 14th in the Japanese GP.