Sainz hammers FIA after staggering fine: 'It was five seconds'

Carlos Sainz has strongly criticised the FIA for his penalty at the Japanese Grand Prix for being late to the national anthem following a medical problem.

On the grid at Suzuka, Sainz reported to the FIA medical team with a stomach issue, but after receiving treatment and using the toilet, the Williams driver was late to the national anthem ceremony - something all drivers must attend or risk a fine.

The FIA punished Sainz with a €20,000 fine, half of which is suspended for 12 months providing he does not repeat the rules breach. Ordinarily, the fine is €60,000.

The Spanish racer has questioned what he perceives to be the heavy-handed nature of the penalty and revealed he was just five seconds from being on time. 

Sainz is also at risk of enduring the stewards' wrath again after swearing in the official FIA press conference in Bahrain, where he offered his thoughts on the unusual situation.

"I think I am the biggest supporter of punctuality and being a gentleman and being punctual to things, especially the national anthem with all the authorities there," Sainz told media including RacingNews365.

"I was the first one to put my hand up and say, 'I am late, I am sorry for that', but at the same time, I was five seconds late, and had to pay €10,000, and for me, it is out of the question that we're having to pay these fines.

"I don't know if I am going to get another fine for saying this, but shit happens, it is the way it goes sometimes.

"It was expensive, and you guys know what 10k is, and for [being] five seconds late, it is disappointing.

"I hope someone tells me where this 10k goes and they say, 'Okay, at least it went to a nice cause' and I will look forward to seeing where it goes."