Sebastian Vettel has lost his podium finish in the Mexican Grand Prix after the stewards imposed a ten-second time penalty for "erractic driving" in the closing laps of the race.
The Ferrari driver came under pressure from Daniel Ricciardo in fifth and as the Red Bull driver attempted to pass, Vettel closed the door and according to the stewards he "moved under braking" which is banned under new rules introduced at the last race.
Vettel scored his third-place finish after Max Verstappen was given a five-second penalty, dropping the Dutch teenager to fifth, elevating both Vettel and Ricciardo.
This penalty drops Vettel to fifth, promoting Ricciardo to the final podium spot and Verstappen to fourth.
![Franco Colpinto [front] avoided Liam Lawson [back] at the start of the Australian GP](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Franco-Colapinto-F1-Aus-GP-120x86.webp)
The matter was discussed at length by the stewards with representatives from Ferrari and Red Bull, as well as the drivers themselves, called to explain their side of the story before a verdict was given.
Vettel was also awarded two penalty points by the stewards.
![Franco Colpinto [front] avoided Liam Lawson [back] at the start of the Australian GP](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Franco-Colapinto-F1-Aus-GP-350x250.webp)
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