Vettel short on fuel - at risk of disqualification!

©AstonMartin

40

Sebastian Vettel could lose his hard-earned runner up spot in the Hungarian Grand Prix, following a shortfall of fuel onboard the German driver's Aston Martin at the end of the race.

The FIA requires that all cars must complete the distance of a Grand Prix with at least one litre of fuel remaining in the tank to allow for a sampling and control.

However, FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer has informed the stewards that only 300ml of fuel were extracted from the Aston Martin's fuel tank, therefore putting Vettel at risk of a disqualification.

"After the race it was checked on car number 5 whether a 1.0 litre sample of fuel could be taken from the car," read Bauer's notice.

"It was possible to take only a 0.3 litre sample following the procedures layed out [Sic] in Article 6.6.4 of the 2021 Formula One Technical Regulations.

"Therefore I am referring this matter to the stewards for their consideration, as this is not in compliance with Article 6.6.2 of the 2021 Formula One Technical Regulations."

Read also: Vettel 'disappointed' despite securing second in Hungary

At the end of Sunday's race, Vettel did not complete the traditional cool-down lap, stopping his car at the Hungaroring's Turn 12 after being ordered by his team to do so.

If Aston's car is found in breach of the regulations, Vettel will likely be excluding from the Hungarian Grand Prix results, a decision that would move Lewis Hamilton up to P2 while Ferrari's Carlos Sainz would inherit P3.

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.