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F1 Brazilian GP: Ferrari requests review of Vettel’s Mexico GP penalty

Ferrari has requested that stewards for the Mexican Grand Prix review its decision to impose a penalty against Sebastian Vettel for his 'defensive manoeuvres' after 'new elements come to light'.

Vettel finished fourth on the road in Mexico but was promoted to third after Max Verstappen received a time penalty for cutting the T1 chicane whilst defending the position.

However, Vettel was later penalised himself for committing what stewards termed as 'abnormal movements' under braking when battling with Daniel Ricciardo, demoting him to fifth place.

With FIA Race Director Charlie Whiting joining the Thursday F1 press conference ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix to clarify reasons for the penalties issued in Mexico, he confirmed data showed Vettel moved under braking, a tactic formally banned only a race earlier in Austin.

However, after Vettel continued to stand by his defensive move in the same press conference, Ferrari has announced its plans to reverse the decision based on new evidence.

"Scuderia Ferrari has submitted a request to the Stewards of the 2016 Mexican Grand Prix to review their decision to penalize Sebastian Vettel for breach of Article 27.5 of the 2016 F1 Sporting Regulations as a consequence of his driving behaviour in Turn 4 of lap 70.

"This has been the first application of Article 27.5 of the 2016 F1 Sporting Regulations as interpreted on the basis of the Race Director's notes on "defensive maneuvers" and effective from the 2016 US Grand Prix.

"Scuderia Ferrari considers that a number of new elements have come to light after the decision was rendered that make the decision reviewable under Article 14.1 of the International Sporting Code.

"Scuderia Ferrari is aware that championship rankings will not change, regardless of the outcome. But in light of its importance as a precedent for the future, and in order to provide clarity in the application of the rules in future events, Scuderia Ferrari believes that the decision should be reconsidered by the Stewards."

Zdroj: crash.net