Vettel escapes sanction for first lap incident
Sebastian Vettel has escaped sanction following an alleged breach of the rules when he cut the track in the stadium section on the opening lap of the Mexican Grand Prix.
The German was called to see the stewards after the race to explain his actions in missing out Turn 13 as he returned to the pits following his first corner puncture.
Article 20.2 of F1's Sporting Regulations states that: "A driver may not deliberately leave the track without justifiable reason."
But after the stewards reviewed video evidence of the incident, and spoke to the Ferrari driver, it was decided he had not done anything to warrant a sanction because of the rear puncture he had.
A statement from the FIA said: "Car 5 had a puncture at Turn 1 and lost the rubber of the tyre at Turn 13. After reviewing the video footage the stewards agreed with the driver's reason for leaving the track."
Ricciardo clash
Although Vettel was initially angry about Daniel Ricciardo for causing his puncture at Turn 1, he admitted afterwards that he did not think the Australian had acted deliberately.
"I have just had a look at it now," he said. "Initially I was pretty angry because I have a puncture and the race is lost. But looking at it now, I think it was correct not to take any action on it.
"I don't think Daniel had anywhere to go, equally he was trying to get through but there was no gap really – so it is a difficult judgement to make.
"I saw him in the very last second and tried to open up [the corner], but by then it was too late plus he was too quick for the line he was trying to do.
"We touched and giving someone a penalty for that, you cannot do that. I am not blaming him but it was a shame for us."
Share Or Save This Story
Brundle awarded OBE in King’s New Year’s honours
The new rules dilemma that will define the 2025 F1 season
Verstappen issues Red Bull title warning in push for RB21 progress
Sebastian Vettel gives update on F1 future as he opens up on life after retirement
Sebastian Vettel: F1 must combine “things we love” with sustainable future
The deeper meaning of Vettel’s emotional Schumacher demo run at Monza
Charles Leclerc admits he missed a chance against Max Verstappen – but not the obvious one
Why Charles Leclerc failed to outbrake Max Verstappen in Turn 1 at Singapore GP
'Senior moment' or breakdown of trust? The implications of Hamilton's Singapore GP meltdown
Oscar Piastri on his Singapore puncture: “Ironically, it probably helped”
Winners and losers from NASCAR Cup at Charlotte after dramatic finish
Charles Leclerc admits he missed a chance against Max Verstappen – but not the obvious one
Could Alpine-Geely deal to save WEC hypercar programme fall through?
'Senior moment' or breakdown of trust? The implications of Hamilton's Singapore GP meltdown
What we learned from the 2026 F1 Singapore GP sprint and qualifying
How Honda plans a return to being an F1 powerhouse
Why Red Bull's 'crazy' power unit success matters so much for F1
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments