The Canadian Grand Prix Chat & Predictions

Don't get me wrong, from the point of view of racing, it was absolutely the wrong decision to punish Vettel today. From an absolutely selfish want for some spice in the sport again, it was absolutely marvelous. It feels like it could set up some grudge matches, even though deep down I know we'll just go back to the usual monotony.

 

Usually the rule book should dictate a time penalty for Vettel. On this occasion, his mistake on a unique part of the circuit, very tight and on a downwards camber, meant that he had nowhere else to go. The slide on the grass didn’t help him either.

That’s where stewards could apply context and on this occasion, with many laps to go for them to continue their fight, I feel we could have certainly called this a racing incident and let them carry on.

I don’t think anyone’s opinion on the matter is wrong, because some of you have the current rule book on your side if you see it black and white, whilst others see the context of the incident and think common sense could prevail given Vettel had very little else he could do.

Great to see a battle for the lead for so many laps- it’s been a while.

 

I’m glad someone else stuck their head overheat particular parapet! I had been thinking exactly the same thing.

 

Surprised Ferrari didn't just veto this penalty to be honest.

 

I'm pretty sure the Ferrari international Assistance program is long gone. Mercedes seem to get the favouritism more often than not for some reason not just on track but off it too.

 

I watched it then had a long drive and could not contribute to the debate but wanted to. That said, reading the comments the fan panel seems split on the matter. I think it was another Seb error, I don't think the stewards decision will decide the WDC this year, if it does the season will be closer than I think any of us believe it will be. I think the fans want someone other than Merc to win a race, hence the feeling of injustice.

I wonder what everyone would be saying if you replaced Seb and put Max in that role, I somehow imagine the fan base would be more in support of Lewis, saying he (Max) should have lifted a little to maintain control to make a safe reentry.

Rules are rules, you either apply them or you don't. In football, a handball is a handball, whether intentional or not. An arm may be extended to maintain balance but it is still a foul. There remains an argument for a professional panel of stewards.

Seb made an error, he is a grown man, not a child. His petulant behaviour subsequently shows why he isn't winning WDCs. He could and should have won last year, but didn't because of his character. He threw away the opportunity for him to be a 5 time WDC and Lewis to still be a 4 time WDC. We have to let the young generation come through with confidence, LeClerc has had his dented by the Ferrari politics.

Ignoring the Seb incident, as someone here has mentioned, Danny was out of order yesterday, given the rules. A tad disappointed in Danny because he was calculating in what he did, Seb's emotions are just out of control. Ferrari should ditch Seb and sign Danny. Pleased with Renault though, good result for them.

On balance, it is Seb who is letting us down more than it is the stewards.

 

Ferrari are going to appeal .

 

Interesting. Whatever the outcome it should stop the debate raging for the rest of the season, but then probably not.

 

It should do , but it won't

 

FIA to the rescue? I think they should overturn the decision then give SEB another penalty for his childish behaviour. Problem solved.

 

When Vettel rejoins the track his intention is go straight back onto the racing line regardless. Didn't he say over the radio If he didn't Lewis would have overtaken otherwise? If they are supposed to rejoin safely why didn't Vettel as his car is coming back onto the track actually try and keep left to be on the left of the track?

 

Yeah, the radio message from Vettel did sound like he knew what he was doing. Perhaps the stewards took that into account too.

He didn't rejoin the track that quickly, so looking at the angle he came back on, I see no reason why he would not have been able to turn to the left more to hold his line, rather than seemingly drift back onto the racing line. His onboard camera also suggests this.

Whatever the rights or wrongs of the decision, it still goes back to the basic point that if he hadn't screwed up again, then he may still have won the race on the track and the whole argument would be null and void.

To complain that the race was taken away from him, after he made a mistake under pressure, hardly puts him in a strong position.

 

Indeed. He would have to lift and he refused to lift because Lewis would have overtaken him. Seb made an unforced error, yet again.
Are the rules the right ones? This rule in most cases applies to someone who has come off onto a larger patch of turf, gravel or tarmac. This was a small piece of grass enabling Seb to try and keep position, normally he would have lost the leadership gaining control off circuit. Changing this rule would be difficult while still preventing abuse and benefit from cutting a corner.
The issue is we want racing where more than a Merc wins. Seb and Ferrari are letting us down.

 

I thought you couldn't appeal in-race penalties.

 

Autosprt saying the Stewards reason for imposing the penalty is that there is clear evidence the Vettel allowed his car to drift towards Hamilton and that he knew were Hamilton was . Once he had recovered the car , if he stayed where he was , no problem. But he didn't.....

 

You can even win a race in the pit lane................if you're in a Ferrari.

 

At the time I thought Seb was going to hit the barrier and do a Schumi on Lewis. It was a close call.

 

If the fia published the telemetry data from vettel and hamilton's cars we could all have a better understanding.

 

Ala Damon or Jaques ?

 

I was thinking of Damon though the circumstances were different. It just reminded me of that moment. Jacques was never someone I cared for anyway.