F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Charlie warns drivers: No more illegal parking!

Charlie Whiting has warned that anyone seeking to emulate Sebastian Vettel's tactic of lining up his car outside a starting grid box will likely receive a penalty.

Drivers voiced their grievances over Vettel's scheme in China to the FIA race director in Friday evening's driver briefing, requesting clear guidelines for the future.

Whiting simply reminded everyone that start rules have not changed in the last 20 years, with only a few extreme cases of drivers lining up outside their assigned grid box.

Vettel parked his Ferrari to the left of his spot in a bid avoid putting his rear wheels on a more slippery white line.

While Whiting clearly noticed the driver's odd position, he chose to go ahead with the normal start procedure and refer the matter to the stewards who, after review, took no further action.

Friday evening, Whiting told the drivers to use their common sense and refrain from placing their cars outside their starting box.

"Charlie gave us his opinion and he said that if what Sebastian did happens again, then you might not get away with it,"  Sergio Perez told Motorsport.com.

"I think Sebastian was on the limit from that side and, if Charlie sees that again, it might be a penalty.

"I hope it doesn’t happen as we might get into an argument if another driver gets a penalty. So what will common sense be? It is a hard decision for the stewards."

GALLERY: All the pictures from Friday in Bahrain

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

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