Russell makes F1 demand after ‘pretty expensive poo’

George Russell has demanded increased collaboration between F1 and the FIA after Carlos Sainz was fined for a "pretty expensive poo."

Williams driver Sainz was late to the national anthem at the Japanese Grand Prix after seeking medical treatment for an upset stomach from an FIA doctor and going to the toilet. 

He claimed he was just "five seconds" late to the anthem, but was fined €20,000 by the FIA, albeit half of which is suspended for a 12-month period if he does not commit the same offence.

Sainz was particularly critical of the FIA for the decision in the Bahrain press conference, but then swore on purpose, saying "shit happens", running the risk of a further penalty after Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc were both penalised for swearing in the session in 2024 after new guidelines from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

Speaking about the situation, GPDA director Russell felt things had got out of hand. 

"I said it was a pretty expensive poo, but look we've been talking about this on and off for six months now," Russell told media including RacingNews365 after being informed that Sainz had deliberately sworn during the official FIA press conference.

"In all honesty, I don't even want to give it any more air-time from my own personal perspective because we've said everything we've had to say over these months.

"Unfortunately, it has had little or no impact and I know all of the drivers have 100% trust and faith in Stefano and F1 and we know that they work together with the teams.

"Isn't it in all of our interests to make something cover all of this and just see some stability and collaboration moving forward?

"We just want collaboration, it doesn't make any sense to be fighting on these topics."

Article continues below. 

Russell defends busy Sainz

Russell also defended Sainz, and explained the busy period of time drivers face between arriving on the grid after their reconnaissance laps to forming up for the formation lap. 

"I have got to be honest, I totally appreciate that we have a duty to be there for the national anthem," Russell added.

"But it is not as straightforward as people may think for us to be there on time, we are often running for the toilet, and sometimes, toilets are not available between the time you jump out of the car, go to the anthem and then get stopped by people on the grid for an interview.

"So it is not like we've got one sole job and that is it. We're trying to take a moment, breathe, and being there at that minute is sometimes not straightforward.

"So I appreciate it from everyone's perspective, because it is a very important moment of the race, but from a driver's perspective, there are some genuine logistical issues, like sometimes literally waiting to get into a bathroom cubicle."

Who do you think will win the 2025 F1 Bahrain Grand Prix? Let us know by voting in the poll below and in the comments!