Sebastian Vettel was disqualified from the Hungarian GP post-race for a breach of fuel rules and therefore has lost his second place for Aston Martin.
Four-time F1 champion Vettel had driven an incredible race on Sunday, just barely missing out on a victory after a chaotic start this afternoon, and ultimately came home in second.
However, hours later it was confirmed that he was penalised because his car was found to have contained insufficient fuel at the end of the race.
F1 regulations insist that “competitors must ensure that a 1.0 litre sample of fuel may be taken at any time during the event” – and according to the report, only 300ml could be removed from Vettel’s Aston Martin.
The stewards’ report on Sebastian’s car read: “After the race it was not possible to take a 1.0 litre sample of fuel from car 5.
“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.
“During the hearing in [the] 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.
“The stewards determine to apply the standard penalty for technical infringements. Therefore they took into account, that it shall be no defence to claim that no performance advantage was obtained.”
The team responded to the penalty saying; “This one hurts. It will for a while.
“But we gave it everything out there today and go into the summer break proud of our performance this weekend. Thank you for the incredible support.
“With you beside us, we will come back fighting in Spa. Our journey is just getting started.”
This one hurts. It will for a while. But we gave it everything out there today and go into the summer break proud of our performance this weekend.
Thank you for the incredible support. With you beside us, we will come back fighting in Spa. Our journey is just getting started. 💚 pic.twitter.com/ovUuu8I5QV
— Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) August 1, 2021
