Utter rubbish Vettel didn't get a wash from any car in front of him. His mistake caused by him,nobody else, not another car, just like in Germany last year.
I think there has been, but they only tend to give that if the attacking driver was alongside before the corner. In this case the crime isn't keeping the place it's forcing Lewis off the track. Hey now. Utter horseshit from the stewards is just about the only thing in F1 that still resembles it's glory days.
How close had Lewis been behind Vettel in the laps previously before the incident, pretty much the same. The cars in front of Vettel were further in front than Lewis was behind which is why I disagree with your car wash. Lewis never once looked affected by being so close to Vettel through the chicane
But this was worthy of comment, wasn't it? Isn't this what we love in the sport? Some battle, some controversy? This might be a rough result for people to swallow, but this is far from bad for the sport... It's great for the sport! It's got people passionate again! Bring on more days like today, because I'm sick of the usual snoozefest!
I love the controversy. Vettel seems to make mistakes at any opportunity under pressure. I can sympathize with him that it was a hard penalty but I dislike his petulant reactions. The Ferrari fans may have booed but Vettel needs to take control of himself before he completely looses it.
Well it could have been worse I suppose, I remember someone cutting a chicane once and giving the position back. They got 25s penalty regardless. What was his name again, wonder if he ever achieved much... Race finales have been ruined many a time.
Regardless of past injustices - of which there have been many (historically, more often in Ferrari's favour than not - and especially the one alluded to by BLS) - today's controversial stewarding decision made me wince. Under pressure from Hamilton, Vettel made an error and ran off track, losing time. It was an unforced driving error and was not inflicted by any mysterious back-marker causing a loss of downforce. Immediately after this, Hamilton had significant extra momentum whilst still on the racing line and would easily have passed if his path had remained clear. Vettel gathered it up, costing him time, but ran into the only space he could - right onto the racing line, thus blocking Hamilton and thereby gaining an advantage by preventing what would otherwise have been an easy overtake. Ultimately, the incident cost Hamilton a greater loss of lap time than Vettel. However, despite the error, on this occasion I do not believe Vettel deliberately blocked Hamilton; he made a mistake but saved it and stayed ahead; and Hamilton could see he would be 'naturally' blocked as Vettel regained the track. Hamilton then correctly backed off to avoid a collision. Conclusions: I do not agree with the five second penalty awarded to Vettel and am certain Hamilton did not expect it. Despite being informed of the penalty, Hamilton wanted to pass his adversary before the flag but complied with plain common sense in holding station. Vettel made an error but due in part to circuit layout, retained the lead on track. If ever the term 'racing incident' is applicable, surely this was it. So tonight, I have a hollow feeling in the pit of my stomach. F1 may well court controversy; but whilst making a stand for fair play, it must not erode its gallant, heroic core. Surely we want to see a fight played out on track; not a questionable decision from referees?
The only thing I can think, Cosi, is that Vettel wouldn't have occupied that space if he hadn't have kept his foot in after going off. Trying to just power through it ultimately put him in that position. Even then it's harsh....
I don't buy that. The Merc dominance is absolutely killing the sport, why on Earth would they want to perpetuate that? It had nothing to do with Hamilton, the problem is a) the rule and b) the stewarding and application of the rules.
Yes, I agree. But Vettel instinctively kept his foot in in an effort to lose as little time as possible. Nothing wrong with that, per sé as any racer would be expected to try to recover as quickly as possible. The aftermath though, was unfortunate (or convenient!); that in doing so, it blocked Hamilton. But this was also a consequence of the shape of the circuit at that point and where momentum was taking both drivers toward the same piece of track. I'd agree that Vettel knew what he was doing but also that in that circumstance, he would have expected his actions to be excusable - or even perceived as justifiable. I actually think Hamilton would have expected that too and would not have expected Vettel to be given a penalty. I'm not excusing things either way. I'm just disappointed that F1 has kind of got in the way of itself, once again, because I personally think the stewards could have let this one go.
Yeah.. I don't disagree with any of that at all. Just trying to make some sense of the decision.....somewhere.... somehow. I still reckon this drama is a good thing though. We really needed something to set the season alight. Maybe this is it.
Well Bhaji, I think I understand your point. At the same time though, I feel I must state a preference for authenticity and a disposition against anything remotely artificial, regardless of how the latter might spice things up. My feeling is that that this could have been 'let go' as it were, and I'm not comfortable at how this decision may be perceived by some. From a personal perspective, I don't like inconsistency, or to see outside influence impacting (potential) outcomes. There have been many occasions in the past where I've felt punitive measures were warranted, only to see a culprit allowed to benefit from misdemeanour, but on this occasion, I think the steward's decision was a bit harsh and could have been more in line with the core ethos of motor racing.
