Breaking news
Formula 1 Mexican GP
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.
Jonathan Noble
Published: Nov 2, 2015, 12:08 AM
Copy link
Share on Viber
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."
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article Sensational Mexican GP debut for the Silver Arrows
Next article Wolff: Hamilton right to question orders
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
Jonathan Noble
Brundle awarded OBE in King’s New Year’s honours
Formula 1
Formula 1
Brundle awarded OBE in King’s New Year’s honours
The new rules dilemma that will define the 2025 F1 season
Formula 1
Formula 1
The new rules dilemma that will define the 2025 F1 season
Verstappen issues Red Bull title warning in push for RB21 progress
Formula 1
Formula 1
Australian GP
Verstappen issues Red Bull title warning in push for RB21 progress
More from
Sebastian Vettel
Sebastian Vettel gives update on F1 future as he opens up on life after retirement
Formula 1
Formula 1
Azerbaijan GP
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
Formula 1
Formula 1
Sebastian Vettel: F1 must combine “things we love” with sustainable future
More from
Ferrari
On this day: Fernando Alonso wins the world title, Michael Schumacher retires from F1
Formula 1
Formula 1
Brazilian GP
8 h
On this day: Fernando Alonso wins the world title, Michael Schumacher retires from F1
The figures that show Mercedes has lost its supremacy in F1 2026
Formula 1
Formula 1
United States GP
The figures that show Mercedes has lost its supremacy in F1 2026
Latest news
Max Verstappen slams “unacceptable” bumps at Austin F1 track: “It's out of control”
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
United States GP
10 min
Max Verstappen slams “unacceptable” bumps at Austin F1 track: “It's out of control”
Kimi Antonelli ready to "finish the job" as first F1 title chance beckons at US GP
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
United States GP
55 min
Kimi Antonelli ready to "finish the job" as first F1 title chance beckons at US GP
How to watch NASCAR at Talladega II: Weekend schedule, start time, entry list, TV
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Talladega II
1 h
How to watch NASCAR at Talladega II: Weekend schedule, start time, entry list, TV
Peterson Racing addresses online abuse after parting ways with Austin Green
NASCAR O'Reilly
NOAP NASCAR O'Reilly
Talladega II
1 h
Peterson Racing addresses online abuse after parting ways with Austin Green
Feature
Discover prime content
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.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe