F1 driver hit with £17,000 fine for arriving late to Japanese Grand Prix despite needing medical treatment

An F1 driver received a significant £17,000 fine after arriving late to the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend following medical treatment.

The motorsport arrived on our TV screens in March and returned with the Japanese Grand Prix for its third race on Sunday morning (6 April).

There has been no short of controversy in the opening weeks, with Lewis Hamilton, in particular, enduring a nightmare start to life with Ferrari, which has included poor finishes and explosive conversations with his radio team.

He was also disqualified, alongside his teammate Charles Leclerc, from the Chinese Grand Prix, hours after the race had concluded.

While the focus was on Max Verstappen in Japan after he produced a masterful display of driving, there was some drama before the race had even started.

Carlos Sainz Jr arrived when the anthem had already started (Clive Rose/Getty Images)

According to The Daily Mail, the rules stipulate that the drivers must be in a position ready to start the race in time for the national anthem of the host country to begin, but Spanish racer Carlos Sainz Jr. was ever-so-slightly late and arrived when the anthem had already commenced.

In a statement, the FIA, the governing body of motorsports, said: "The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 55 (Carlos Sainz), the team representative and Dr Messina of Med-Ex, and reviewed video evidence.

"The driver arrived at the National Anthem Position after the Anthem had commenced.

"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 (£51,000)'. 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."

Sainz ended up finishing 14th (Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Sainz's stomach problems were confirmed by a doctor, who, according to the statement, then gave the driver 'appropriate medication' for his ailment.

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

"Competitors are reminded that they have the right to appeal certain decisions of the Stewards, in accordance with Article 15 of the FIA International Sporting Code and Chapter 4 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules, within the applicable time limits."

However, because his reason was due to sickness, he received a reduced fine of £17,000

Despite his stomach issues, however, Sainz ended up finishing 14th in the race.