Suzuka reprimand 'a bit of a joke', says Vettel

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Sebastian Vettel was mystified by the formal reprimand he received at the Japanese Grand Prix for missing the national anthem ceremony before the start of the race.

As the Ferrari team frantically worked on the German's car after it developed a spark plug-linked engine issue on the formation lap - a problem which would eventually sideline him in the race - Vettel remained alongside his mechanics.

The Scuderia driver subsequently collected his second reprimand of 2017, the first of which was handed to him in Monaco, after he had crossed the pit exit line.

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The yellow card from the FIA stewards inched Vettel closer to a 10-place grid penalty, which a driver faces if he receives three reprimands, although two must be the result of driving offences.

Looking back, Vettel believes the stewards could have shown more leniency.

"I didn't understand it," Vettel said when asked about the incident on Thursday.

"Of course I was a bit late, but for half of the anthem I was there. I was surprised when I heard that I was reprimanded for it.

"The rule is clear, but well... Maybe I should have pushed aside the guy ahead of me and not wait until he was done on the toilet!

"A bit of a joke, but okay."

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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.