Vettel disqualified from Hungarian GP for fuel breach - Aston to appeal!

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Sebastian Vettel's Aston Martin has been found in breach of the technical regulations after the Hungarian Grand Prix, putting into jeopardy the German driver's second place finish in Sunday's race.

Vettel powered to P2 at the Hungaroring after a race long battle with the day's winner, Alpine's Esteban Ocon.

After crossing the checkered flag, the German driver failed to complete the cool down lap, parking his car at Turn 12, a potential sign of a fuel shortfall for the Aston Martin.

After the race, FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer undertook a fuel sample check on Vettel's AMR21.

The regulations stipulate that one liter of fuel must remain in a car's tank at the end of a race, but Bauer was only able to extract 300 ml, a deficit that put Aston Martin in breach of the rules.

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

Bauer reported the breach to the stewards and a subsequent hearing with the team's representatives took place and included an attempt by the Aston Martin crews to extract the required amount of fuel from the car's tank.

"After the race it was not possible to take a 1.0 litre sample of fuel from car 5. The team was given several opportunities to attempt to remove the required amount of fuel from the tank, however it was only possible to pump 0.3 litres out," reads the stewards' notice.

Vettel's car was therefore deemed in breach of "Article 6.6.2 of the 2021 Formula One Technical Regulations".

However, Aston Martin has decided not to sit back and the team has given to the FIA stewards its notice of intention to appeal Vettel's disqualification from the Hungarian Grand Prix.

In accordance with its process, the FIA has impounded the #5 Aston Martin and will transport the car to its technical facility in France where it will remain pending the appeal.

In the interim, the classification of the Hungarian Grand Prix, with Vettel in second place, remains provisional.

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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.