F1 star faces punishment after breaching unusual rule before Japanese Grand Prix

Carlos Sainz faces a potential £8,500 (€10,000) fine from the FIA after he was judged to be late for the national anthem at the Japanese Grand Prix. The Spaniard was called to the stewards after the chequered flag on Sunday. If Sainz’s alleged breach of Article 19.4 of the sporting regulations is upheld, then the 30-year-old could become the first driver punished over a national anthem ceremony slip-up since Yuki Tsunoda at the Canadian Grand Prix last year.

After visiting the stewards last year, the stewards reported: “The team stated that they failed to inform the driver about the timing adequately and therefore caused the delay, but it is also the responsibility of the driver to arrive in time. It is noted that the driver, once made aware of his mistake, took every reasonable effort to attend the National Anthem as soon as possible.”

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