Stewards take action over 'frustrated' Vettel after run-in with the FIA

Sebastian Vettel has been hit with a suspended fine of €25,000 after an off-track incident at the Austrian Grand Prix. The Aston Martin driver was called up to the stewards for his behaviour in Friday evening's driver briefing, with no specific details initially being released. However, the stewards have since taken action and explained what occurred in the Red Bull Ring paddock. "The driver, Sebastian Vettel, left the drivers' meeting that was held at 19:30 on Friday 8 July, without permission, and expressing frustration at the meeting," read the stewards' decision document. "Drivers are not free to leave when they want, this being a breach of the requirement to attend. "Drivers at this level are role models for every driver around the world and in the opinion of the stewards Vettel failed to live up to that standard in this case."

Vettel apologises but faces the threat of a fine

Vettel will take the €25,000 fine if he breaches Article 20.1 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations and/or Article 12.2.1 f) of the International Sporting Code again later in the season. The explanation continued: "Subsequently, Vettel had a meeting with the Race Director, who informed the stewards that Vettel apologised without reservation, and that further, they had a very constructive conversation covering the topics in the meeting and more. "The stewards determine that there is a breach, which cannot go without penalty, but that based on the report from the Race Director there are factors in mitigation. "Therefore, the stewards order a fine of €25,000, which is suspended for the remainder of the 2022 season, subject to any breach of Article 20.1 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations or of Article 12.2.1 f) of the International Sporting Code."