Vettel on cusp of grid penalty after reprimand

The Ferrari driver skipped the pre-race ceremony to remain by his car, as mechanics furiously worked to address the spark plug issue that would put him out of the race.

But as attending the national anthem ceremony is demanded by the regulations, Vettel was investigated by the race stewards for a breach of the rules.

An FIA statement confirmed that Vettel would be given a reprimand for his actions.

That decision is significant because under F1’s Sporting Regulations it means another punishment for a driving offence this year will result in a penalty.

Vettel already has a driving infringement reprimand, after he crossed the pit lane exit line during qualifying at the Monaco Grand Prix.

Article 18.2 of F1’s Sporting Regulations states: “Any driver who receives three reprimands in the same championship season will, upon the imposition of the third, be given a ten grid place penalty at that Event. If the third reprimand is imposed following an Incident during a race the ten grid place penalty will be applied at the driver’s next Event.

“The ten grid place penalty will only be imposed if at least two of the reprimands were imposed for a driving infringement.”

It means that Vettel must avoid getting a reprimand for any driving offence over the remaining four races of the campaign.