Source: Mercedes F1 Twitter
Sebastian Vettel has been disqualified from the Hungarian Grand Prix, which means Lewis Hamilton has been promoted to second place.
After the Hungarian Grand Prix, during the scrutineering checks the FIA could not take a big enough fuel sample from Sebastian Vettel’s Aston Martin.
Under the regulations each car should be able to produce a one litre fuel sample so that checks can be performed.
Technical delegate Jo Bauer reported after the race that he was referring the issue to the stewards.
“After the race it was checked on car number 5 whether a 1.0 litre sample of fuel could be taken from the car,” Bauer’s notice reads.
“It was possible to take only a 0.3 litre sample following the procedures layed out [Sic] in Article 6.6.4 of the 2021 Formula One Technical Regulations.
“Therefore I am referring this matter to the stewards for their consideration, as this is not in compliance with Article 6.6.2 of the 2021 Formula One Technical Regulations.”
Article 6.6.2 reads that “competitors must ensure that a 1.0 litre sample of fuel may be taken from the car at any time during the event”.
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After examining the matter, the stewards have reached a decision to disqualify Vettel.
“The team was given several opportunities to attempt to remove the required amount of fuel from the tank, however it was only possible to pump 0.3 litres out,” the verdict read.
“During the hearing in presence of the FIA Technical Delegate and the FIA Technical Director, the team principal of Aston Martin stated that there must be 1,44 litres left in the tank, but they are not able to get it out. This figure is calculated using the FFM or injector model.
“Given this situation, car No. 5 is not in compliance with the requirements of Art. 6.6 FIA Technical Regulations. According to Art. 6.6.2 competitors must ensure that a 1.0 litre sample of fuel may be taken from the car at any time.
“The procedure was followed however the 1.0 litre sample of fuel was unable to be taken.”
Aston Martin has the right to appeal this decision, but it is not yet known if they will do so.
This means Lewis Hamilton is now promoted to P2 and Max Verstappen to P9. With this result Lewis extends his lead over Verstappen by a further two points.
Previously, in 2012, both Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton were thrown out of qualifying sessions for not being able to provide the required fuel sample.
UPDATE 1: The stewards have confirmed that they received a Notice of Intention of Appeal from Aston Martin. This doesn’t mean the team will definitely appeal the decision, but they do have an intention to do so.
UPDATE 2: Aston Martin has appealed Sebastian Vettel’s penalty.
UPDATE 3: The FIA has dismissed Aston Martin’s request for review and appeal.
