Sebastian Vettel has slammed the FIA over the weighbridge incident which currently has his second position on the grid under threat for the Brazilian Grand Prix.
The German was randomly called to have his car weighed in the opening minutes of Q2 as the two Ferrari’s pitted for the Soft compound tyre to set their best time on.
A looming threat of rain meant time was tight, however, and in his rush to get to the box, Vettel disrespected the normal protocol.
“During the second qualifying session at 15:27, the driver of car number five [Vettel], when called for weighing, refused to turn off the engine,” the FIA’s statement read.
“The car was pushed onto the scales and weighed with running engine, which makes it difficult to get a stable result. After weighing the driver drove off the scales under its own power and by doing so, he destroyed the scales.
“As the driver was not following the instructions and further compromised the continuation of the weighing procedure, I am referring this matter to the stewards for their consideration.”
Given the numerous regulations that he broke, plus the sheer stupidity, it is thought his penalty could be as severe as disqualification from the session, meaning he would start Sunday’s race last.
Defending his actions, Vettel believes the governing body should show more discretion in situations such as looming rain.
“They shouldn’t call us when the conditions are like that, I think it’s unfair if somebody gets called in,” he claimed. “I wanted them to hurry up.”
Not exactly the strongest of arguments then…