Formula 1 must not simply 'move on' from Vettel penalty incident
Formula 1 must not simply 'move on' from Vettel penalty incident
Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul has warned Formula 1 against moving on from the incident at the Canadian Grand Prix last weekend which saw Sebastian Vettel finish fastest in the race, only to be demoted down to second after receiving a controversial five-second penalty.
Vettel was impressive over the weekend in Montreal and took pole position after finishing quickest in qualifying. It looked like the win in the race proper was in the offing, too, but he was punished by the stewards for allegedly returning to the track in an “unsafe” manner ahead of Lewis Hamilton at Turn 4.
The decision to fine the German caused huge controversy among fans, F1 figures, and former drivers, catalysing a debate about rule changes to allow the drivers more freedom.
Abiteboul thinks it is important that the situation isn’t brushed under the carpet, like many other issues.
"Each time there is an incident like that [with Vettel], then we talk, and we talk and we move on to something else," he told Motorsport.com.
"That's one of the problems of Formula 1, that there is no proper - not consistency in the application of the decision - but consistency [in what is done].
"If we think that there is a problem, let's make sure that we fix the problem before we forget about the problem. And it's a little bit the same on the rules.
The Frenchman didn’t want to give his own opinion on the specific incident involving Vettel and Hamilton, but hopes the controversy surrounding the decision can allow for meaningful conversations about potential changes, whatever they may be.
"I don't want to say anything about that [Vettel] incident, because frankly I didn't watch it as I was too much on my own race, but if we think that there is a problem, it needs to go in-depth,” Abiteboul added.
"We just talk about it in the heat of the moment on Sunday, maybe maximum on Monday, and then we move on to something else. If it's a real problem, let's get together and discuss it."
The penalty given to Vettel meant that Hamilton won, thus saving Mercedes’ 100% win record so far in the 2019 season.
Related
Change your timezone:
Latest News
Audi agree STAR driver contract as Mercedes driver tipped for new F1 seat THIS season - GPFans F1 Recap
- Yesterday 23:57
Ferrari show off new-look drivers following HUGE announcement
- Yesterday 22:57
McLaren leading fight for HUGE cash injection
- Yesterday 21:57
Newey set to announce STUNNING Red Bull departure
- Yesterday 17:57
Newey Red Bull exit wish CONFIRMED as F1 guru's reasons revealed
- Yesterday 20:57
F1 legend reveals 'FLOOD' of death threats after controversial decision
- Yesterday 19:57
Related news
Incredible statistic puts Verstappen AHEAD of Hamilton record
Fierce rival calls Hamilton F1's GOAT in surprise admission
Hamilton sends strong message over Gaza deaths
Former F1 chief hits out at Hamilton 'EXCUSES'
F1 Standings
Drivers
- Oliver Bearman
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon
- Sergio Pérez
- Max Verstappen
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Kevin Magnussen
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
- Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2024
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Australia 2024
- MSC Cruises Grand Prix of Japan 2024
- Grand Prix of China 2024
- Miami Grand Prix 2024
- Gran Premio dell'Emilia Romagna 2024
- Grand Prix of Monaco 2024
- Grand Prix du Canada 2024
- Gran Premio de España 2024
- Grand Prix of Austria 2024
- Grand Prix of Great Britain 2024
- Grand Prix of Hungary 2024
- Grand Prix of Belgium 2024
- Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Italy 2024
- Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2024
- Grand Prix of Singapore 2024
- Grand Prix of the United States 2024
- Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2024
- Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2024
- Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024
- Qatar Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2024
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media
Innovatieweg 20C7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860