Latest news with #Med-Ex
The Independent
07-04-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Carlos Sainz fined for Japan national anthem absence despite health issue
Carlos Sainz was fined €20,000 by the FIA for being late to the Japanese national anthem on the grid prior to Sunday's race – despite having a stomach issue. The Spanish driver, now racing for Williams, was visiting a doctor at the track prior to the race starting. However, drivers are punished for not being present on time for the host country's national anthem – usually 15 minutes before lights out – and no exception was made for Sainz. The FIA fined him €20,000, with €10,000 suspended for one year, though that was less than the usual penalty of €60,000 due to the mitigating circumstances. Dr Messina, of Med-Ex, verified Sainz's stomach issues to F1 's governing body and added that they administered medication. "The Driver arrived at the National Anthem Position after the Anthem had commenced," the stewards said. "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. "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." Sainz finished the race in 14th place, having started 15th on the grid after receiving a three-place grid drop due to impeding Lewis Hamilton in qualifying.
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Carlos Sainz Hit with Major Fine for Missing National Anthem Due to Stomach Issues
Carlos Sainz's weekend in Japan went from bad to worse when, after finishing outside the points for the third time in three grands prix, he was hit with a €20,000 fine for arriving to his position for the National Anthem after the Anthem had commenced ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix. The FIA took into account that the driver was experiencing discomfort due to a stomach issue, and having the sickness verified by Dr Messina of Med-Ex brought the fine down to €20,000 from €60,000, the fee stated for the offence in the FIA International Sporting Code. "Notwithstanding the above, 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 FIA stated. "Hence, a penalty similar to that imposed for a similar breach in Canada in 2024 is imposed." The referenced Canadian Grand Prix fine was for Yuki Tsunoda arriving late to the anthem after not being informed of the correct time, and the then Visa Cash App RB driver was fined €10,000. At the time of Tsunoda's penalty, the sanctioning body stated that they were implying a less severe penalty or reprimand, but didn't state the same large sum they did for Sainz's penalty this year. Tsunoda made it to his spot as the Anthem was still being performed. This was Sainz's second penalty of the weekend, where he finished 14th after qualifying in 15th and starting back in 18th thanks to a three-place grid penalty for impeding the Ferrari of Lewis Hamilton. You Might Also Like You Need a Torque Wrench in Your Toolbox Tested: Best Car Interior Cleaners The Man Who Signs Every Car
