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Japanese Grand Prix

F1 driver hit with FIA fine after Japanese Grand Prix medical issue

Carlos Sainz has been handed an odd verdict by the FIA following the Japanese GP

Kerry Violet F1 News Editor

F1 editor and journalist covering motorsport since 2024.

Sunday 6 April 2025 22:00

The FIA have confirmed that a Formula 1 driver has been handed a financial penalty after the Japanese Grand Prix, as a result of a medical issue.

Sunday's race at Suzuka saw Max Verstappen hold off the previously dominant McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to four-peat at the classic track, the first driver to ever do that.

The Dutchman's victory takes him within one point of Norris in the drivers' standings after Verstappen reportedly worked closely with the Red Bull mechanics to desperately improve his RB21 ahead of the race in Suzuka having struggled with his machinery so far this season.

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Another star who is visibly finding it tough to get to grips with his new machinery is Carlos Sainz having moved to Williams from Ferrari for the 2025 campaign. The Spaniard finished P14 in Sunday's race but sadly his troubles didn't stop there and he was summoned by the stewards for failing to arrive on time for the pre-race national anthem.

F1 RESULTS TODAY: Verstappen roars again as Hamilton's Ferrari struggles continue in Japan

Carlos Sainz FIA verdict in full

The decision was slightly bizarre however given that Sainz claimed to have experienced a medical issue prior to the national anthem, stating it as the reason for his absence.

An official FIA statement read: "The stewards heard from the driver of Car 55 [Carlos Sainz], the team representative and Dr Messina of Med-Ex, and reviewed video evidence."

"During the drivers' briefing on Friday all drivers were reminded of the requirement to be in position by the time prescribed in the regulations and the need to show respect for the host country's anthem.

"It is noted that the penalty guidelines prescribed in Appendix B of the FIA International Sporting Code, list a penalty for this offence of €60,000. However in mitigation, the driver stated that just prior to the anthem, he experienced discomfort due to a stomach issue which delayed his appearance on the grid."

The stewards revealed that Dr Messina of Med-Ex confirmed this issue and had prescribed the Williams star with the appropriate medication but the FIA continued to fine Sainz who has a history of medical concerns surrounding the stomach having undergone emergency surgery for appendicitis last year.

The statement continued: "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. Hence a penalty similar to that imposed for a similar breach in Canada in 2024, is imposed."

Max Verstappen Ferrari McLaren Lando Norris FIA Carlos Sainz