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."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.

Recent Posts

Audi’s Wheatley thought team principal role in F1 was ‘unattainable’

In the world of Formula 1, where career ladders are often climbed with ruthless ambition,…

20 mins ago

Schumacher’s first F1 winner hits the auction block

Michael Schumacher’s 1992 Benetton B192, the very car that delivered his maiden Formula 1 victory,…

16 hours ago

Why Bortoleto thinks Verstappen could be the perfect teammate

Gabriel Bortoleto is not buying into the widespread idea that lining up alongside Max Verstappen…

18 hours ago

Eddie Cheever: Still the American driver with the most F1 starts

Today, we wish a happy 68th birthday to Eddie Cheever who remains after all these…

20 hours ago

In pictures: Audi's first day on track in Barcelona

History was made at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Friday as the Audi Revolut F1…

21 hours ago

Mercedes pays tribute to motorsport legend Hans Herrmann

The flags at Mercedes-Benz have been lowered to half-mast as the racing community mourns the…

22 hours ago