Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel could face further sanctions for his intentional collision with Lewis Hamilton during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix at the weekend, which could go as far as a race ban or monetary fine.
It is believed that FIA president Jean Todt is unhappy with Vettel's actions and with how the incident was dealt with by the stewards, who handed the Ferrari driver a ten-second stop and go penalty, which many within the paddock thought was a lenient punishment.
Vettel accused Hamilton, who was in the lead of the race at the time and had assumed the role of the Safety Car, of brake testing him, which resulted in the German running into the back of Hamilton's car, damaging both.
Clearly unhappy with Hamilton's actions, Vettel drove alongside the Briton and turned towards him, with the pair making contact. Neither car suffered any damage in the second incident.
However the FIA cleared Hamilton of any wrongdoing during the restart as the lead car can dictate the pace, and whilst the rules stipulate that a constant speed must be kept, data from Hamilton's car showed he did not brake heavily, nor act any different to his previous restart.
"It emerged that Hamilton did correctly, maintained a consistent speed and behaved in the same manner on that occasion as in all other restarts during the race," a statement from the stewards noted.
Vettel's actions following the initial contact were an act of revenge – the four-time champion admitting so after the race – but he didn't believe the penalty was warranted.
It's not the first time the 'red mist' has descended on Vettel. In Mexico last year he was warned by the FIA's Charlie Whiting for an expletive rant in which he told the race director to "f**k off" twice. That led Vettel to write an official apology to both Whiting and Todt, for bringing the sport in disrepute.
In light of the apology, Todt chose not to bring Vettel before the FIA International Tribunal, but warned him that a repeat offence may warrant heavy punishment.
Vettel's Baku antics could however land him a seat in front of the tribunal, with reports suggesting Todt is unhappy with Vettel's intentional actions and a belief that the penalty didn't fit the crime – with suggestions the stewards considered disqualifying him from the race, but chose not to as it would have impacted the title fight.
A decision as to whether Todt will take further action is expected ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix next weekend.
What is the International Tribunal (IT)?
Adopted by the 2010 FIA General Assembly, the IT exercises the FIA’s disciplinary powers at first instance, for all cases whether they have been dealt or not with by the Stewards of the Meeting.
Who sits on the IT?
The IT is made up of 12 members, who are recommended by the FIA Judicial Appointment Committee and then elected by the FIA General Assembly.
For what reasons may the IT be held?
The President of the FIA, acting as the FIA prosecuting body, may conduct an inquiry into any actions or conduct of a person under the jurisdiction of the FIA and suspected of having committed one of the offences set out in the Judicial and Disciplinary Rules of the FIA (Article 8.2). Following the inquiry, the President of the FIA may draw up an inquiry report and decide to close the case or to bring the matter before the IT to make a decision in compliance with the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules.
Which sanctions can be imposed by the IT?
The IT may impose fines, bans and/or the sanctions provided for in the FIA International Sporting Code (Article 153).
Can the decision be appealed?
Yes. The President of the FIA and the parties being prosecuted can appeal the decision.
Discussion about this post