F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Vettel in hot water with the stewards after weighbridge fiasco

Sebastian Vettel's spot on the front-row of the Brazilian Grand Prix grid has been put in jeopardy by the Ferrari driver failing to comply with the weighbridge procedure during qualifying.

In Q2, Vettel was directed to the weighbridge during the session as he entered the pitlane, but refused to turn off his Ferrari's engine as required.

The car was subsequently weighed with its engine running, its driver frantically gesticulating to hurry up the procedure as a threat of rain set in.

When the weighing was completed, Vettel drove off the scales under the car's own power, and in doing so, apparently destroyed the rear scales.

FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer immediately referred Vettel to the Brazilian Grand Prix stewards, an action that the Ferrari driver qualified as "unfair".

"They shouldn’t call us when the conditions are changing like that," Vettel told Sky F1.

"I think it’s unfair if somebody gets called in. I wanted them to hurry up."

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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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