A ‘pretty expensive poo’ saw F1 driver Carlos Sainz fined more than $11,000. His cursing response might cost him again

CNN - Apr 11th, 2025
Open on CNN

Williams driver Carlos Sainz faces potential additional fines after swearing in a press conference while criticizing a penalty he received at the Japanese Grand Prix. Sainz was originally fined €10,000 for being late to the grid for the national anthem due to stomach issues. Despite acknowledging his tardiness, Sainz expressed frustration at the fine's magnitude. His comments came ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, raising concerns about further penalties under new FIA guidelines that penalize drivers for swearing in media interactions.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions between F1 drivers and the FIA regarding fines and regulations, with Mercedes' George Russell, head of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, voicing his support for Sainz. Russell emphasized the challenges drivers face in adhering to strict schedules and expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of progress in negotiations with the FIA. This story underscores broader issues of regulation and collaboration within Formula 1, as drivers seek more reasonable and flexible rules surrounding fines and penalties.

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RATING

6.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a detailed account of the controversy surrounding Carlos Sainz's fine by the FIA, effectively capturing the perspectives of the drivers involved. It accurately reports on the events and the FIA's regulations, although it could benefit from more explicit sourcing and transparency. The article is timely and relevant to the motorsport community, engaging readers interested in Formula 1. While it addresses an important issue within the sport, its broader public impact is limited. Overall, the article is clear and accessible, with potential to spark discussion among fans and stakeholders.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The article accurately reports on Carlos Sainz's fine by the FIA for being late to the national anthem at the Japanese Grand Prix, citing the fine amount and the reason for the delay. It correctly mentions that Sainz experienced stomach issues and required medication, which aligns with the context provided in the story. Additionally, the article accurately outlines the FIA's guidelines regarding fines for lateness and swearing, corroborating the potential consequences Sainz faces for his comments. However, the article could benefit from more detailed verification of Sainz's medical condition and the exact reduction process of his fine. Overall, the factual claims are well-supported, but further details could enhance accuracy.

7
Balance

The article presents multiple perspectives, including Sainz's criticism of the FIA's decision and George Russell's supportive comments. It provides a balanced view by including the official guidelines from the FIA and the drivers' frustrations with the existing rules. However, the article could improve balance by including a response or perspective from the FIA or other stakeholders in the motorsport industry. This would provide a more comprehensive view of the issue, rather than focusing predominantly on the drivers' perspectives.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow of information. It effectively explains the sequence of events leading to Sainz's fine and his subsequent comments. The language is straightforward and accessible, making it easy for readers to understand the key points. However, some sections could benefit from additional context or explanation, particularly regarding the FIA's rules and the implications of Sainz's potential further fine. Overall, the article maintains a neutral tone and presents information in a coherent manner.

6
Source quality

The article does not explicitly cite its sources, which affects its overall credibility. While it references the FIA's guidelines and drivers' comments, it lacks direct quotes from official FIA statements or documents. The inclusion of such sources would enhance the reliability and authority of the reporting. The article relies on quotes from Sainz and Russell but could benefit from a wider range of sources, such as FIA officials or independent experts in motorsport regulations.

5
Transparency

The article lacks transparency in its sourcing and methodology. It does not specify where the information about the fines and penalties was obtained, nor does it disclose any potential conflicts of interest. The article could improve transparency by explaining how the information was gathered and providing more context on the FIA's decision-making process. Additionally, disclosing any affiliations or biases of the reporters or publication could help readers assess the impartiality of the reporting.

Sources

  1. https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/13345632/carlos-sainz-criticises-fia-over-disappointing-fine-for-being-late-to-national-anthem-at-japanese-gp
  2. https://racingnews365.com/sainz-hammers-fia-after-staggering-fine-it-was-five-seconds
  3. https://racer.com/2025/04/10/sainz-risks-fia-wrath-with-complaints-about-his-fine-at-the-japanese-gp/
  4. https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/s-happens-williams-driver-carlos-sainz-at-risk-of-further-punishment-after-pretty-expensive-poo/news-story/cd87fa4d6187f0e2dfc7f6aa689cbe04
  5. https://www.jalopnik.com/1831626/carlos-sainz-possible-f1-fine-japan-gp-details/