Carlos Sainz has risked a further fine after swearing in an official news conference when discussing a punishment he was given at the Japanese Grand Prix.
The Williams driver was fined €10,000 (£8,648), with half of it suspended, in Suzuka last weekend after turning up late for the playing of the national anthem on the grid.
That was despite him explaining that he had experienced stomach issues that required a trip to the toilet.
Sainz said during media day at the Bahrain Grand Prix on Thursday: “I’m the biggest supporter of punctuality and being – in a way – a gentleman, being punctual to things, and especially a national anthem, with all the authorities there.
“So I was the first one to put my hand up and say, ‘I’m late. I’m 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, for me, it is out of the question that we are having to pay these fines.
“But yeah, I don’t know if I’m going to get another fine for saying this, but s*** happens.”
