Sainz escapes €40,000 fine for swearing at Bahrain Grand Prix

Carlos Sainz, a Williams Formula 1 driver, avoided a potential €40,000 ($45,370) fine for swearing during an FIA press conference at the Bahrain Grand Prix. The FIA decided not to refer him to stewards after he apologized for his remarks, which he made while discussing a previous €20,000 fine he received for being late to the national anthem due to a stomach issue. The FIA has implemented strict penalties under its new guidelines, which can escalate fines up to €120,000 for repeated offenses. Sainz's comment was made in a light-hearted context, but it still fell under the FIA's crackdown on bad language in press events. The governing body noted that Sainz would make amends for his breach in a manner yet to be determined. The situation reflects the ongoing tensions between drivers and the FIA regarding the enforcement of such penalties.