CARLOS SAINZ risks a £34,500 fine for swearing as he protested his £17,000 penalty for having a POO!
The Williams F1 driver panned FIA chiefs after he was punished for being “five seconds late” to the national anthem in Japan following a toilet dash.
Carlos Sainz explained he had a medical reason for being late[/caption]
George Russell reckons Sainz was unlucky to be fined so much[/caption]
Ex-Ferrari driver Sainz was also upset at his hefty £17,000 Poogate fine at Suzuka – half of which has been suspended for 12 months providing he does not reoffend.
But the Spaniard, 30, now faces an even bigger one after turning the air blue in yesterday’s press conference.
Ahead of Sunday’s Bahrain GP, Sainz moaned at the FIA: “I’m the biggest supporter of punctuality and being a gentleman – especially for a national anthem, with all the authorities there.
“So I was the first to put my hand up and say, ‘I’m late. I’m sorry’.
“At the same time, I was five seconds late. And to be five seconds late and have to pay 10,000 euros. It’s out of the question that we’re having to pay this money.
“I don’t know if I’m gonna get a fine saying this but, s*** happens.
“I hope someone tells me where this 10,000 euros goes.”
Britain’s seven-time world champ Lewis Hamilton has also suffered reprimands for tattoos and body piercings.
And Mercedes driver George Russell, director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, panned Sainz’s toilet punishment.
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The Brit said: “It’s not quite as straightforward as people think for us to be there on time.
“We’re often running to the toilet and sometimes there are none available between the time you jump out of the car and go to the anthem.
“It’s a pretty expensive poo!”
The FIA accepted Sainz was given medication for the problem which delayed his appearance.
That meant his fine was cut from £51k (€60,000) to £17k, with £8.5k suspended.
But in a lengthy statement the FIA added: “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.”