Collision, gravel bed, coal gone
Probation still the best news for Vettel
07/09/2022, 8:28 p.m
So far, everything that can go wrong has gone wrong for Sebastian Vettel at the Formula 1 weekend in Austria. The former world champion starts the Grand Prix in Spielberg from far behind. Because he with. The race stewards also have him on their backs. Because he’s already too frustrated on Friday.
Sebastian Vettel shouldn’t afford any more freaks out this season. The 35-year-old Aston Martin Formula 1 driver was sentenced by the race stewards to a fine of 25,000 euros on probation until the end of this world championship. The reason: Vettel had simply left the drivers’ meeting early on Friday – without permission. He also “expressed his frustration” at the meeting, it said.
“Drivers at this level are role models for all drivers around the world and in the opinion of the race stewards, Vettel did not meet this standard in this case,” said those responsible. The fact that Vettel had visited the race director after his departure and apologized had a positive effect. In addition, the two had a very constructive conversation about the topics of the meeting, which Vettel had probably previously enraged.
Crash with Albon
The completely disappointing performance in qualifying shouldn’t have brightened his mood either. Vettel finished last in the Aston Martin. In the sprint race on Saturday, the world champion from 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 had to retire shortly before the end in 19th place. Before that he had worked his way up after a good start in Sprint, but then collided with Alex Albon.
“It’s a pity, because we were able to make up a few places in the first laps. It was right to do the sprint with soft tires,” said Vettel about his race to catch up and the subsequent excursion into the gravel bed. “The good Alex was probably a little optimistic. During our duel in turn 6 he slipped into my car, which cost me a reasonable starting position for the race. He didn’t leave me enough space.”