Sainz escapes penalty for press conference swearing
Bahrain Grand Prix stewards have decided not to investigate Carlos Sainz Jr. for using expletives during Thursday's FIA press conference. The Williams driver said 's*** happens' when discussing his recent fine for missing Japan's pre-race anthem ceremony. Sainz, who serves as a Grand Prix Drivers Association director, avoided becoming the first F1 driver penalized under new FIA misconduct rules. The regulations, introduced three months ago, could have resulted in a €40,000 fine (€10,000 base multiplied by four for F1).
The incident follows Sainz's €10,000 penalty in Japan (with another €10,000 suspended) for arriving five seconds late to the national anthem ceremony, which he attributed to a medical issue. The GPDA has repeatedly criticized the FIA's fining system for minor infractions.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Tribune
26-05-2025
- Daily Tribune
Ben Sulayem Returns, FIA Presidency Bid
TDT | Manama Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the FIA's outspoken president, has confirmed he'll run for a second four-year term in December's election. Speaking at the Monaco Grand Prix, the 63-year-old Emirati said he's determined to keep growing the sport and bolstering the FIA's influence, even as his first term has stirred plenty of debate. A Mission to Grow Motorsport Ben Sulayem, a former rally driver, insists his work at the FIA is far from done. 'Three years in a complex federation like the FIA is not enough,' he said, reflecting on his tenure since succeeding Jean Todt in 2021. He's proud of turning around the FIA's finances—a €4.7 million profit last year compared to a €24 million loss in 2021—and securing Cadillac as Formula One's 11th team for 2026. But he's not resting on his laurels, vowing to make the FIA 'stronger and stronger.' Controversies and Critics It hasn't been a smooth ride. Ben Sulayem's term has seen clashes with Formula One's commercial rights holder, Liberty Media, over deals he calls 'raw' for the FIA, which owns the championship. His crackdown on driver swearing, with hefty fines, has riled stars in F1 and rallying. Staff departures, including senior figures like Shaila-Ann Rao, sparked talk of an exodus, though Rao's return as an advisor has steadied the ship. Critics also point to statute changes that could curb the FIA's audit and ethics committees, raising questions about transparency. Open to a Challenge With no confirmed rival yet, Ben Sulayem welcomed the prospect of competition, including from twice world rally champion Carlos Sainz, father of the Ferrari F1 driver. 'Let him stand. That is democracy,' he said, brushing off concerns about potential conflicts of interest. The Emirati remains unfazed by detractors, claiming he's 'cleaned up the FIA house' and shrugging off negativity. 'I am the last one who cares what they say,' he added, focused on the FIA's 147 member organizations. Concorde Talks and Future Plans As a new Concorde Agreement between F1 stakeholders nears, Ben Sulayem says negotiations with Liberty Media are on track. His goal is clear: elevate the FIA's clout while expanding motorsport's reach. With the Bahrain Grand Prix a key fixture on the F1 calendar, his regional ties add a layer of influence, but it's his broader vision that will define his campaign. Key Takeaways Ben Sulayem seeks re-election to bolster FIA and motorsport Financial Recovery: FIA's €4.7m profit in 2024 reverses 2021's €24m loss He invites challengers like Sainz, supporting open competition You Know What? Ben Sulayem, the first non-European FIA president, has overseen the addition of Cadillac as F1's 11th team, a move initially resisted by the sport but backed by the FIA's 147 member organizations.
Daily Tribune
26-05-2025
- Daily Tribune
Norris wins 'dream' maiden Monaco Grand Prix
Principality Of Monaco Lando Norris won his maiden Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday to close the gap on his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri in the battle for the 2025 drivers' world title. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc took second with Piastri completing the podium in the eighth race of the season. Norris closed to within three points of Piastri after adding the jewel in the F1 calendar to his season-opening win in Australia. Four-time reigning world champion Max Verstappen took fourth with Lewis Hamilton in the other Ferrari rounding out the top five. "Monaco, baby! It's a dream" Norris exclaimed over the team radio, after becoming the first McLaren driver to win on the sinuous streets of the Principality since Hamilton in 2008. "It feels amazing, it's a long gruelling race. An amazing weekend with pole, with today. This is what we dream of, this is what I did dream of as a kid," beamed the 25-year-old. He was pushed hard to the end of the gruelling and at times chaotic afternoon in the Monaco sunshine by Leclerc, who took second, 3.131s behind. "Lando did a better job and he deserves to win. It is above our expectations here, I thought we would struggle to be in the top 10 so it has been a good weekend, but I wish I'd won," said the Monaco-born Leclerc. Piastri rued a tricky time in qualifying on Saturday. "I got close but not close enough, and you run around here where you started," said the Australian.
Daily Tribune
20-05-2025
- Daily Tribune
FIA Reports Major Financial Turnaround Under President Mohammed Ben Sulayem
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and mobility organisations, has announced a significant financial recovery under the leadership of President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. According to the FIA's fiscal year 2024 report, the organisation recorded a solid operating result of €4.7 million and an operating income of €182 million. This marks a dramatic reversal from a €24 million operating loss in 2021, prior to Ben Sulayem's election. The financial upturn comes as a direct result of a comprehensive strategic transformation initiated by Ben Sulayem in line with the promises of his presidential manifesto. Since taking office in 2021, the FIA leadership has focused on strengthening internal operations, streamlining processes, and establishing a more sustainable financial framework. 'Upon my election as President of the FIA, I committed to ensuring a profitable operation,' said Ben Sulayem. 'Today, I am incredibly proud to show that we have achieved this mission, delivering the strongest set of financial results in eight years.' Ben Sulayem emphasized that governance reform, transparency, and financial health were key pillars of his leadership agenda, and pledged to continue working with internal teams and external stakeholders to deliver sustained improvements across the organisation. The operating income reflects a €26.7 million increase from 2023, representing 17% year-on-year growth. The FIA now operates with zero financial debt and boasts a healthy equity ratio of 45%. Key reforms under the new administration include enhanced procurement controls, the introduction of internal quarterly reporting, and a financial steering model designed to support strategic decision-making. These measures have improved budget control, pricing strategies, and resource allocation across the FIA's motorsport and mobility divisions. To further improve accountability, the FIA also introduced a mid-year General Assembly, ensuring timely approval of audited financial statements. For the second consecutive year, the organisation will publish a comprehensive Activity Report in June, now featuring a new profit-and-loss format for improved clarity and transparency. This financial recovery ends a five-year period of operating losses, putting the FIA in a strong position to continue delivering value to its 245 Member Clubs worldwide. The improved fiscal position also allows for reinvestment into the seven World Championships it oversees, as well as grassroots motorsport and broader sustainability efforts. As a not-for-profit organisation, the FIA now looks ahead with renewed confidence, aiming to enhance its global impact both on and off the track.
