Vettel disqualified from the Hungarian Grand Prix for fuel sample issue
Despite performing brilliantly at today's Hungarian Grand Prix, Aston Martin driver Sebastian Vettel has been disqualified after the team was unable to provide the FIA with a 1.0 litre fuel sample following the 70-lap race.
The German driver finished second at the Hungaroring after a close fight with Alpine racer Esteban Ocon. The pair was battling during the entire race with Vettel looking the faster, but ultimately Ocon was able to fight off his rival to secure his maiden F1 victory.
The governing body launched two investigations against the four-time champion. The first incident happened ahead of the start of the race as Vettel opted to wear a rainbow-coloured t-shirt with the words “Same Love” on the grid. The German was handed a non-driving reprimand for breaching Article 12.2.1.i) of the FIA International Sporting Code, which is “failure to follow the instructions of the relevant officials for the safe and orderly conduct of the Event.”
Valtteri Bottas, Carlos Sainz and Lance Stroll were also hit with the same penalty as they wore the We Race As One t-shirts during the Hungarian national anthem.
The second incident happened after the race when the FIA technical delegates wanted to take a fuel sample from the Aston Martin, but was only able to receive a 0.3 litre sample.
The FIA stewards issued their verdict at 10pm local time: "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 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," read the FIA statement.
Hamilton also gains from the change to the classification as he moves up to second place, extending his title lead over Max Verstappen by a further two points after picking up 18 points to Verstappen’s two.
