Vettel accused of failing to be a role model, handed suspended fine

The FIA has handed Sebastian Vettel a €25,000 suspended fine and accused the German of failing to be a role model after an incident in Friday's drivers' briefing.

Vettel was summoned to face the FIA stewards following the sprint at the Austrian Grand Prix for his behaviour in Friday's meeting.

Although the initial summons did not explain the full nature of the investigation, the decision document explained: "The driver, Sebastian Vettel, left the drivers’ meeting that was held at 19:30 on Friday 8 July, without permission, and expressing frustration at the meeting.

"Drivers are not free to leave when they want, this being a breach of the requirement to attend.

"Drivers at this level are role models for every driver around the world and in the opinion of the stewards, Vettel failed to live up to that standard in this case.

"Subsequently, Vettel had a meeting with the race director, who informed the stewards that Vettel apologised without reservation, and that further, they had a very constructive conversation covering the topics in the meeting and more.

"The stewards determine that there is a breach, which cannot go without penalty, but that based on the report from the race director there are factors in mitigation.

"Therefore, the stewards order a fine of €25,000, which is suspended for the remainder of the 2022 season, subject to any breach of Article 20.1 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations or of Article 12.2.1 f) of the International Sporting Code."

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