The FIA will take no further action against Sebastian Vettel after investigating the incident in which he drove into Lewis Hamilton at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The Ferrari driver appeared at a meeting on Monday and offered a full apology for his actions, which was accepted by the FIA, alongside a commitment from the Ferrari driver to undertake educational activities across a variety of racing championships over the next 12 months.
The German admitted full responsibility and apologised to Hamilton in a statement published on his website, the first time he has done so since the incident. “During the restart lap I got surprised by Lewis and ran into the back of his car,” he said. “With hindsight I don’t believe he had any bad intentions. In the heat of the action I then overreacted and therefore I want to apologise to Lewis directly, as well as to all the people who were watching the race. I realise that I was not setting a good example.
“I had no intention at any time to put Lewis in danger but I understand that I caused a dangerous situation. Therefore I would like to apologise to the FIA. I accept and respect the decisions that were taken at today’s meeting in Paris, as well as the penalty imposed by the Stewards in Baku. I love this sport and I am determined to represent it in a way that can be an example for future generations.”
Vettel had been sanctioned by the stewards with a 10-second stop-go penalty during the race but the FIA chose to investigate the incident further, concerned by the implications of the incident, particularly in the impression it gave to young fans and drivers.
They could have imposed a race ban, grid penalty or fine but have accepted Vettel’s admission of responsibility and declared the case closed.
Vettel hit the back of his championship rival Hamilton’s Mercedes while the pair were behind the safety car in Baku. Believing the British driver had brake-tested him he pulled alongside and, while gesticulating angrily, turned into Hamilton’s car, causing them to bang wheels. Data examined by the stewards proved Hamilton had not braked but at the time Vettel remained unrepentant and insisted both drivers should have received penalties.
The statement from the FIA read: “Following detailed discussion and further examination of video and data evidence related to the incident, Sebastian Vettel admitted full responsibility.”
Vettel has agreed to undertake educational activities at the Formula 2 and Formula 3 European Championship, the Formula 4 Championship and at the FIA Stewards’ seminar, which had been a factor in the decision.
“The FIA notes this commitment, the personal apology made by Sebastian Vettel and his pledge to make that apology public,” the statement continued. “The FIA also notes that Scuderia Ferrari is aligned with the values and objectives of the FIA. In light of these developments, the FIA president, Jean Todt, decided that on this occasion the matter should be closed.”
Hamilton had described the incident as “disgraceful” and pointedly told the race director, Charlie Whiting, on team radio that he did not believe the punishment was sufficient during the race. “A 10-second penalty for driving like that is not enough, you know that, Charlie,” he said. He had also singled out the bad impression it made after the race as a particular issue. “Imagine all the young kids that are watching Formula One today and see that kind of behaviour from a four-time world champion,” he said.
Todt was understood to have been unhappy with the leniency shown by the stewards, who could have given Vettel a black flag – disqualifying him from the race. Todt has been the driving force behind the FIA’s road safety campaign and there was considerable concern that Vettel’s actions sent out the wrong message to drivers both on track and on the road.
Vettel went on to finish fourth in Baku, one place ahead of Hamilton whom he now leads by 14 points in a tightly contested battle for the world championship. He has now accrued nine penalty points and should he receive a further three at the next race in Austria he would face an automatic ban from the British Grand Prix. He has also been informed that a repeat of similar behaviour would immediately be referred to the FIA International Tribunal for further investigation.
Having the four-time world champion perform educational activities has some precedent. In 1997 Michael Schumacher was given a retrospective punishment after driving into Jacques Villeneuve at the title decider in Jerez. He was stripped of his position as runner-up and his points, although the German was allowed to keep his race wins. He was also ordered to participate in a seven-day road safety campaign organised by the FIA and the European Commission the following year.
More recently the French driver Charles Pic was required to take part in one day of community service, requiring the driver and his race engineer to take part in the FIA’s road safety campaign after overtaking another car under a red flag during practice at the 2012 Singapore Grand Prix. A punishment that was understood to have been at the direction of Todt.
“Top-level sport is an intense environment in which tempers can flare. However, it is the role of top sportsmen to deal with that pressure calmly and to conduct themselves in a manner that not only respects the regulations of the sport but which befits the elevated status they enjoy,” said Todt in the statement.
“Sportsmen must be cognisant of the impact their behaviour can have on those who look up to them. They are heroes and role models to millions of fans worldwide and must conduct themselves accordingly.”
