Oct.20 - Sebastian Vettel has hit out at the penalty that has further dented his small chances of keeping his championship hopes alive.

In Austin, where Lewis Hamilton can mathematically clinch the title, Vettel has been penalised 3 grid positions for not slowing down enough for a red flag.

"I saw the flag and went off the gas, but not enough in the stewards' eyes," said the Ferrari driver after practice.

"In my opinion it's wrong. I slowed down, I looked around. I should have slowed to 30km/h but then maybe a car behind me would have crashed into me, and what's the point of that?

"The stewards disagree, there's nothing more to say about it," Vettel added.

2016 world champion Nico Rosberg said the penalty is a "shame".

"His car was fast enough for the title," he told the German broadcaster RTL.


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7 F1 Fan comments on “Vettel says Austin penalty 'wrong'

  1. Bryan

    Lame! Lame! Lame’
    F1 & the stewards are fucking up this title. If HAM clinches there is no reason for the last few rounds. I guess I’ll have more time to play golf.

  2. Marco

    I always tought that people watch races to see the driver & machine combinaton, some passing, some dog fights, and not because someone is, or will be, a champion or not. Considering that the stewards can see the speed/aceleration/etc of the cars during any lap... Vettel is a really good driver, and with the best car (full package) proved it, but he seams to be lacking some control latelly, or as people say, cannot deal with the pressure...

    • Simon Saivil

      Vettel and Hamilton are two sides of the same coin, or, if you prefer, two coins with the same side. Hamilton, as a young driver, was all over the map, both physically and mentally. He lived up to the addagie that the worst thing than being talked about is not being talked about. And he was talked about. Vettel was a model as a young driver, in a winning car collecting victories. Both drivers are mature, and a pleasure to listen to - very measured, reasonable statements. Genuinely gracios, each in his own circumstances. Just finished watching the race. What a delight to watch, were it not for the pandering media and fans bent on ruining everything. The entire commentariat kept blowiating about where Hamilton has to be, and how far behind Vettel has to be left for Lewis to bag the championship. Really little short of sickening, definitely disgusting. Hamilton is not stupid, he knows how to count and knows the odds - chances are he'll be this year's champion. Vettel knows exactly the same numbers and has settled comfortably in the role of the underdog and is driving with skills and attitude that are nothing short of art. People, please stop being Monday morning quarterbacks ruining the season for the rest of us.

  3. Jadra

    Even the stewards r making sure that Hamilton takes his championship bow at Austin and it was very convenient to punish Seb. In spite of this we expect a great race and perhaps Vettel can produce his best drive and win this time as he has nothing to lose now.

    • BlackDog

      You just can't help yourself can you? It was red flagged, so the same rules apply as that of a VSC or a pit-Lane speed restriction. He had to get down to 90KPH and stay at that delta on his way into the pits but on two occasions sped up and once to a shade over 170KPH. At the same time there were 18 cars out on track and every other one complied with the rule. I appreciate it's not good for the racing and that no one wants to see this affecting the Championship but you need to open your eyes a little and try balancing your thoughts because I'm pretty sure that if it was Hamilton you'd be praising the stewards. It was only a couple of weeks ago you were wishing DNF's on Lewis to even the contest even though his car has had more mechanical unreliability this year than Sebs. Seb is a great driver but he's having a bad time, mixing brilliant moments with moments of madness. Perhaps rather than questioning the stewards you'd be better off considering where Sebs head was when he was supposed to be dealing with a mandated FIA instruction that could have harmed his chances today.

  4. Bent spanner

    If Grid Girls are banned ,for being outdated and sexist,What are the scantily dressed Cheerleaders doing on the track in the USA.


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