Formula 1 driver Sebastian Vettel has been punished for leaving the drivers’ meeting early, now gets backing from colleagues
Sebastian Vettel has had enough and leaves the drivers’ meeting at the Formula 1 race in Spielberg early – without permission. The stewards then sentence him to a suspended fine, Vettel apologises to FIA race director Niels Wittich and has a word with him. What exactly set Vettel off remains unclear at first.
Now, however, Vettel’s fellow drivers describe the background to the drivers’ meeting at the Red Bull Ring and what happened before Vettel left the room. Mick Schumacher, for example, tells Sky: “I had the impression that we were going round in circles on some topics. It dragged on longer than necessary.” And: “I completely understand how Sebastian reacted.”
According to Schumacher, “there [were] probably some drivers who also felt the urge to leave the meeting”, but only Vettel left early. Which Daniel Ricciardo can also understand. He says: “I don’t want to speak for Seb, but sometimes you still have [work to do with the engineers]. And sometimes [in the drivers’ meeting] it goes back and forth. “
Ricciardo also suggests that there are always discussions that get out of hand: “If they drag on and end without a clear answer, then some drivers certainly get impatient. Seb is a bit annoyed by this back and forth. “
Perez urges to work together
Sergio Perez, however, thinks that “you have to give the new race directors some time to work together”. But he also recognises “many different views at the moment”, but therefore demands all the more “that everyone involved pulls together”.
For example, the appointment of permanent sports commissioners for more constant decisions is under consideration. “That would be good to see if we are making progress,” Perez says. “Because currently we have different stewards weekend after weekend.”
The division of the race director position between Eduardo Freitas and Wittich also bothers some Formula One drivers. Already at the weekend, George Russell and Alexander Albon, among others, had also voiced their criticism. Tenor: Something has to change.