Sebastian Vettel left us one of the most curious images of Friday’s day at the 2022 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, returning to the Aston Martin garage on a motorcycle after his car stopped in the middle of the track.
The German driver returned to the pitlane once the first free practice session was over, but he did so without his helmet on, something that is not allowed in any situation, both inside and outside the competition circuits.
The FIA settled the case with a fine of 5,000 euros for the German after breaking article 26.7 of the Formula 1 Sporting Regulations, which prevents anyone from entering the track until five minutes after the end of the session.
This was explained by the highest body in the document they published: “The stewards listened to the driver of car 5 (Sebastian Vettel) and the team representatives, and examined the video evidence.”
“The stewards determine that car 5 stopped on the circuit due to a mechanical problem.
At the end of the session, VET looked for a way to get back to his box. A sheriff was on site with a scooter and VET asked if he could use the scooter to get back to his garage.”
“The commissaire accepted. VET got on the scooter, waiting for the commissaire to get on behind him, and when he didn’t get on, VET left alone for the box, without prior approval to do so. Meanwhile, the commissaire tried to contact Race Control to give instructions.”
“By driving down the track towards his garage, instead of going along the designated route, VET infringed article 26.7 of the Formula 1 Sporting Regulations, which prohibits anyone from being on the track in the five-minute period after the end of the race. of a session, with the exception of specifically identified personnel, who do not anticipate pilots having such access unless authorized.”
“Pilots 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 the
Chapter 4 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Regulations, within the established deadlines,” said the governing body.
The German driver finished the first free practice session in Australia in 13th position in the Aston Martin, but was unable to shoot in the Melbourne afternoon due to Aston Martin not being able to repair his car, so he will have to work hard in Free Practice 3 to have everything ready for qualifying.
