Sainz hit with huge FIA fine despite stomach complaint

Carlos Sainz has been slapped with a hefty fine by the stewards at the Japanese Grand Prix after a strange breach of the FIA's F1 sporting regulations. The Spanish driver was found guilty of being late for the start of the national anthem prior to the race at Suzuka, which constitutes falling foul of Article 19.4 b). The FIA confirmed that he was "fined €20,000 of which €10,000 is suspended for a period of 12 months subject to there being no further breach of the above Article 19.4.b) during that period." The national anthem takes place at 46 minutes past the hour prior to the start of the race, and Sainz was not in place in time. However, his fine is significantly less than the rule book prescribes, with the FIA accepting a mitigating factor for the Williams driver. "Penalty Guidelines prescribed in Appendix B of the FIA International Sporting Code list a penalty for this offence of €60,000," the official verdict document stated. "However in mitigation, the Driver stated that just prior to the Anthem, he experienced discomfort due a stomach issue which delayed his appearance on the grid. This was verified by Dr Messina of Med-Ex who confirmed the issue and stated he had provided appropriate medication for the driver."