Then the Hinwilers would be behind after the national holiday flop “only” 2: 6 points against Williams-Mercedes. If Vettel loses second place, the British team with the two ex-Sauber people Jost Capito (boss) and Leo Ress (technology consultant) would lead as the new eighth place in the World Cup with 10: 3 points against Alfa-Sauber.
Has the protest already failed?
The chances for Aston Martin-Mercedes are slim. Just in case, the FIA immediately confiscated Vettel’s car in Hungary and transported it to France.
The green team of Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll will protest against the disqualification, but will the commissioners of the world association even accept it?
Looking for a liter of fuel …
The situation is clear: after the race, the FIA must be able to pump out a liter of fuel from each car for a possible inspection.
Vettel still found 0.3 liters in the tank. The team spoke of 1.74 liters. But where?
The mistake clearly lies with Aston Martin and Vettel, who fought for an open society all weekend with the rainbow colors on their shoes, helmet, T-shirt and mask. And so clearly attracted attention in the land of the anti-rainbow.
The 12 unnecessary turns
Well, Vettel was warned several times by the team (“Safe fuel, save gasoline”). You knew that it would be very close on the 70 laps. But after the finish, the German still drove twelve corners. Until the order came: “Park the car!”
The feed pump stopped working and the engine was in danger. But do the math: On one lap on the 4.381 km long Hungaroring you need 1.8 to 2.0 liters of fuel.
Winner Ocon (Alpine) and the two Williams drivers Latifi (8th) and Russell (9th) stopped right after the finish line. They knew about the impending danger – and were promptly checked!
Cops keep their fingers crossed for Vettel
In addition to Aston Martin and Alfa-Sauber, the team from McLaren-Mercedes and Red Bull-Honda (10th Verstappen), who remained without points, hope that Vettel can keep second place.
McLaren (12th Ricciardo), because then Sainz from direct opponent Ferrari does not get on the podium. And the bulls, who had to surrender the scepter to Mercedes in the last two races, would be happy if Hamilton couldn’t make up more points as the new runner-up.
5 teams for disqualification
Of course, Williams-Mercedes (see bill against Alfa-Sauber at the beginning) and Mercedes with the new world championship leader Hamilton are hoping for a tough judgment from the FIA.
Ferrari would also be happy if Sainz, in third place for the Reds, would receive the third podium place in 2021 “as a gift”. Winner Alpine would move Alonso from fifth to fourth place.
And Alpha Tauri-Honda could increase its points account by four points with Gasly and Tsunoda. Now 14 – with Vettel’s expulsion it would be new 18. Only Haas-Ferrari is out of the points game in the “Vettel case”. There Schumi beamed: “The fact that we crossed the finish line in front of an Alfa-Sauber is a great incentive for us!”
The restless summer break …
Formula 1 has certainly wished for a quieter start to the summer break until Spa on August 29th. There the two bad Budapest boys Bottas and Stroll have to get back five starting positions each.
Incidentally, the results of the 11th Grand Prix 2021 will remain in effect until the FIA has passed a further judgment. Only the two World Cup stands have been changed as a precaution …
Fans are the ones to suffer
One can only wish that in the future not many Formula 1 races have such long aftermath. Like right now. The millions of GP fans like to celebrate the three beaming and cheering pilots on the podium, one of whom is then disqualified for the time being after five hours – like here in Budapest.
But anyone who travels the world with a rule book of well over 150 pages shouldn’t be surprised if a crime scene is discovered somewhere on these highly complicated cars. Whether it is a matter of a few millimeters or grams – or a few drops of fuel are missing.