Shit happens - Russell defends tardy Sainz after controversial €20k fine

Carlos Sainz was fined €20,000 for missing the start of the pre-race Japanese national anthem at Suzuka last weekend

George Russell has explained the bathroom-based pressures facing Formula 1 drivers ahead of a grand prix in the wake of Carlos Sainz being hit with a fine for missing the start of the national anthem at Suzuka.

Sainz was hit with a €20,000 fine, with half suspended for 12 months, by FIA stewards after he was not present at the front of the grid when the Japanese national anthem was played ahead of the grand prix last weekend.

The Williams driver explained his absence was due to an upset stomach which led to him visiting the doctor, but despite being examined, he was still punished for his late arrival – though the recommended €60,000 fine was reduced in light of those mitigating circumstances.

Russell, who alongside Sainz is a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, was asked about the size of the fine and offered a detailed explanation of what a racer has to deal with in the moments leading up to lights out.

“I've got to be honest; I totally appreciate that we have a duty to be there for the national anthem but it's not quite as straightforward as people may think for us to be there on time,” said the Mercedes driver.

“We're often running to the toilet and there's sometimes just no toilets available between the time you jump out the car and go into the anthem and then you get stopped by some people on the grid or people asking for a quick interview.

George Russell, Mercedes

Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images

“So it's not like we've got one sole job and that's only it. We're trying to take our moment for the grand prix, and being there on that minute is sometimes not straightforward.

“I appreciate it from F1's perspective because it's a very important moment of the race, but also from a driver's perspective there are hard, genuine logistical issues that sometimes you're literally waiting to get into a bathroom cubicle.”

Sainz himself addressed the fine as he appeared in the drivers’ press conference at the Bahrain Grand Prix, with the Spaniard risking further wrath from the FIA as he swore during his answer.

"I'm the biggest supporter of punctuality and being in a way a gentleman, being punctual to things, especially a national anthem with all the authorities there," he said.

"So I was the first one to put my hand up and say, 'I'm late, sorry for that'. At the same time, I was five seconds late and to be five seconds late, and have to pay €10,000 or whatever the fine is, is for me out of the question that we're having to pay these fines.

"I don't know if I'll get another fine for saying this… but shit happens. I hope someone tells me where this €10,000 goes, and they say, 'OK at least it goes to a nice cause', and I'll be looking forward to see where.”

Carlos Sainz, Williams

Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images

Russell also commented on the size of the fine issued if, when coupled with drivers being charged with swearing in media conferences, it was starting to get out of hand.

Having initially joked it was a “pretty expensive poo”, Russell added: “Look, we've been talking about this on and off for six months now. In all honesty, I don't even want to give it any more airtime.

“From my own personal perspective, because we've sort of said everything we've had to say over these months, unfortunately it has had little or no impact. All of the drivers have 100% trust and faith in [CEO] Stefano [Domenicali] and F1.

“We know that they work together with the teams and it's in all of our interests to make something come of all of this and just see stability and collaboration.

“Moving forward, we just want collaboration. It just doesn't make any sense to be fighting on these topics. Yeah, that's what I'm doing.”