Vettel's penalty criticized by several team bosses

The major fact of the start of the United States Grand Prix on the Austin circuit (Texas) is lhe three-place penalty handed to Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) after free practice on Friday. The German was found guilty of driving too fast under a red flag after the Sauber Charles Leclerc brought gravel back onto the track.

Has a difficult job just become impossible?

Full story and reaction from Sebastian Vettel after he was handed a 3-place grid penalty at the #USGP >> https://t.co/QRqd7fAJn1 pic.twitter.com/cXphEm27FT

— Formula 1 (@F1) 19th October, 2018

Obviously, the four-time world champion denied having driven in a dangerous manner. “I slowed down significantly to follow the rules”, he defended himself Friday evening. Surprise, the leader of the Scuderia received public support from the bosses of opposing teams, such as Christian Horner (Red Bull) and Toto wolff (Mercedes).

The first named believes that the commissioners must “show regularity” in the addition of penalties. “ It's not a fair rule and it's not a good penalty. We are overloading this sport with regulations. »

Responsible for the team on the verge of winning its fifth consecutive Manufacturers' title, Toto Wolff is nevertheless after the International Automobile Federation (FIA). “For the championship, this is obviously not good news. We would have preferred to have it here (on the first line of the grid. Ed.) and put on a great show, analyzes the Austrian.

I think we need to talk together about this. (from the penalty. Editor’s note). The safety of the commissioners and a car stopped against the barriers is super important but we need to take a look at the regulations because we want to get rid of these penalties."

Maurizio Arrivabene, at the head of the Scuderia, was content to release an almost defeatist word. “Before, it was mission impossible, now it’s mission hyper-impossible”, about Sebastian Vettel's chances of prolonging the suspense for the Drivers' title (Lewis Hamilton is 67 points ahead and can be assured of the crown on Sunday).