Bad behavior brought Sebastian Vettel a penalty at the 2022 Austrian Formula 1 Grand Prix in Spielberg.
The four-time world champion was found guilty by the sports stewards of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) of not fulfilling his role as a role model. The verdict provides for a fine of 25,000 euros, but on probation for the rest of the racing season.
But what did Vettel do exactly? The sports commissioners describe this in their verdict. It says: “Sebastian Vettel left the driver’s meeting on Friday without permission.” Vettel also expressed his displeasure with the course of the meeting.
The sports commissioners also note: “The drivers are not allowed to leave when they wish. [Vettels Verlassen der Räumlichkeiten] constitutes a breach of the attendance requirement [bei der Fahrerbesprechung] present.”
And: “Drivers at this level are role models for all other racing drivers around the world. The sports commissioners are of the opinion that Vettel has not lived up to his role as a role model in this case.”
The stewards have accused Vettel of violating Article 12.2.1 f) of the International Sports Code and Article 20.1 of the Formula 1 Sporting Regulations.
Article 12.2.1 f) of the International Sporting Code regulates penalties in the event that anyone causes “damage or loss” in word, deed or in writing to the FIA, its institutions, members or acting persons or otherwise harms motorsport and the interests of the values represented by the FIA.
Article 20.1 of the Formula 1 Sporting Regulations states, among other things: “All drivers and team managers must attend the meetings chaired by the race director.”
Vettel apologizes for his behavior
Vettel himself contacted Formula 1 race director Niels Wittich after the incident and apologized for his behavior. A “very constructive dialogue” took place that went beyond the content of the driver’s briefing.
“The sports stewards believe that such a violation cannot go unpunished. The information from the race director’s report is considered to reduce the penalty.” And if Vettel does not commit any further violations of the articles mentioned in the rest of the 2022 Formula 1 season, the payment of the 25,000 euros will not be due.
Investigations against seven riders after the sprint
Incidentally, after the sprint race in Spielberg, the sports stewards summoned seven drivers due to violations of the rules in the starting phase, including Vettel again. They are all accused of illegally receiving messages from their teams in the cockpit during the second warm-up lap.
This contradicts Article 33.1 of the Sporting Regulations, which states: “The driver must drive the car alone and without assistance.”
The following drivers have to answer to the FIA sports stewards: Esteban Ocon (Alpine), Sergio Pérez (Red Bull), Daniel Ricciardo (McLaren), George Russell (Mercedes), Mick Schumacher (Haas), Lance Stroll (Aston Martin), Sebastian Vettel (Aston Martin).