Four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel has been penalized by the stewards for a failure to adequately slow down during yellow flags. The Aston Martin driver has been given a five-place grid penalty and has had three penalty points added to his super license. This means the German driver will start last for the Bahrain Grand Prix in what has so far proved to be a difficult start to life as a driver for the Aston Martin Racing team. Vettel's infringement came about as he was approaching the entry to turn 1 at the Bahrain International Circuit. Haas driver Nikita Mazepin, who himself had approached the corner a few seconds locked his brakes and spun forcing the marshalls to bring out waved double yellow flags. The drivers who were approaching the turn at the time were Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas, Williams' George Russell, Red Bull's Sergio Perez, and Vettel. Bottas was immediately instructed by his Mercedes team to slow down and abort his hot lap, while Perez and Russell were on their cool-down laps. Vettel on the other hand has claimed he was unable to see the incident clearly due to the smoke caused by the spin affecting his line of vision. Unfortunately, the stewards decided that there was enough evidence to warrant the aforementioned punishment meaning the German driver will have nothing to lose for Sunday's Grand Prix. A full statement by the FIA can be viewed below.
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