until Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League

Formula 1

Vettel could lose Hungary podium over insufficient fuel sample

by Scott Mitchell-Malm
1 min read

Second-placed Sebastian Vettel has been referred to the stewards as there was not a sufficient fuel sample from his Aston Martin after the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Vettel was second behind Alpine driver Esteban Ocon in a shock result at the Hungaroring.

Sebastian Vettel Hungarian GP F1 Aston Martin

After the finish he stopped the car on-track and did not return to the pitlane with the other cars.

That usually happens when a team is concerned they need to save fuel for the post-race check, as the FIA technical regulations mandate a 1.0-litre sample.

The FIA technical delegate has revealed that only a 0.3-litre sample could be taken from Vettel’s car post race following the correct process.

This was referred to the stewards due to failing to comply with the technical regulations, and Aston Martin representatives were subsequently formally summoned to the stewards.

The rules state that the sample procedure must not necessitate starting the engine or the removal of bodywork other than the nosebox assembly and the cover over any refuelling connector.

The FIA also checked that a 1.0-litre sample could be taken from both Williams cars. It has closed scrutineering with every car except Vettel’s Aston Martin in conformity.

That means the FIA could get the required sample from the cars of George Russell and Nicholas Latifi, and their double points finish – crucial in Williams’s season – is safe.

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