FIA make surprise call over Sainz swearing

The FIA has made the surprising decision not to punish Carlos Sainz for swearing during an official FIA press conference, RacingNews365 can confirm.

Williams driver Sainz used the word "shit" during an FIA drivers' press conference on Thursday at the Bahrain International Circuit.

The Spaniard had previously declared his unhappiness at being fined €20,000 by the FIA - with half suspended - for being late for the national anthem ceremony ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka last Sunday.

Sainz revealed he was late by only five seconds after requiring an emergency toilet break due to a stomach complaint verified by the FIA doctor.

During the press conference, Sainz even pre-empted his use of the swear word by saying, "I don’t know if I’m going to get another fine for saying this, but shit happens."

At that stage, it appeared certain Sainz would be punished. After Max Verstappen swore during an FIA press conference ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix last year, the four-time F1 champion was ordered to carry out a form of community service.

The FIA then made clear it would enforce further breaches by imposing fines, in the first instance, or a more stringent punishment depending on the context in which a swear word is used.

Charles Leclerc was fined €10,000 for an inadvertent use of the f-word during an FIA press conference over last year's Mexico City Grand Prix weekend.

FIA protocol dictates that the media delegate in attendance at a grand prix determines whether any incident should be forwarded to the stewards for their consideration.

On this occasion, the FIA media delegate Bahrain opted not to do so based on a lengthy conversation that followed with Sainz, who, it is understood, was considerably regretful over his use of the swear word, failing badly with an attempt at humour.

Sainz's reaction is believed to be in contrast to that of Leclerc when the media delegate spoke with the Monégasque in Mexico City.