It has become apparent that Ferrari are considering whether they have grounds to protest the result of the Brazilian Grand Prix after footage emerged of Sebastian Vettel overtaking under yellow flag conditions.
The video, which wasn’t shown during the world feed on Sunday, has been posted on YouTube by a fan who recorded the onboard footage from Vettel’s car.
The incident took place on lap four of the race. It shows Vettel passing the Toro Rosso of Jean-Eric Vergne just after he passes a yellow board. He completes the pass and then proceeds to pass a green board marking the end of the caution zone.
Ferrari are reportedly analysing the video before they decide whether to raise a protest to the governing body, appealing the result of the race.
Fernando Alonso posted a cryptic message in Spanish relating to the incident on Twitter: “I don’t believe in miracles. I make my miracles out of the correct rules.”
If a protest is lodged, and the FIA find Vettel guilty, a 20-second penalty would be handed down, relegating the German to eighth place. That would be enough to hand the title to Alonso by a single point.
It isn’t a clear-cut incident however, as photographs show a green flag being waved at the marshall post before the corner on lap three – the lap preceeding the incident. It isn’t clear on the video if this flag is still active on the lap in question.
Ferrari and the FIA have until Friday to make clear their decision before the results of the season can no longer be amended.
Neither party, nor Red Bull, were available to comment.
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