Differing views on Vettel penalty after Italian Grand Prix

Both Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso seem have to different views on the penalty issued to the reigning World Champion, after the two drivers narrowly avoided each other during the Italian Grand Prix. Alonso was forced to take avoiding action as he tried to overtake the German through turn 3, running onto the grass in the process.

The incident in question was very much déjà vu for the two drivers, who were involved in a similar incident during last season’s Italian Grand Prix, in which Sebastian Vettel managed to overtake Fernando Alonso around the outside at turn 4. Unlike last season, Fernando Alonso immediately began to complain on the team radio, insisting that the German driver be issued a penalty for his alleged dangerous driving.

After several laps of deliberation, the race stewards finally imposed a drive-thru penalty upon Sebastian Vettel, who by then had been eventually overtaken by Fernando Alonso. This penalty was effectively the beginning of the end of Vettel’s race, as the German retired on lap 48 due to his returning alternator issue. Whereas Vettel dropped out of the race in the closing stages, Fernando Alonso was able to capitalize on the German’s misfortune and finish 3rd behind eventual race winner Lewis Hamilton and Sergio Perez.

Fernando Alonso believes the stewards’ decision was correct, and that Sebastian Vettel was on the limit as he allegedly forced the Ferrari driver off the circuit. However, Sebastian Vettel naturally disagrees with the stewards’ decision, stating he was frustrated with the harsh decision. The German then quipped that maybe he should’ve complained the year before, when the roles were reversed and Vettel was the driver skipping over the grass at turn 3.

“When I found myself fighting with Vettel I went off the track and, from then on, the car was not right.” Explained Fernando Alonso, on his incident with Sebastian Vettel. “It wasn’t nice bouncing through the gravel but, afterwards, I was able to overtake him anyway a few laps later. I don’t want to comment on the penalty he received, but what he did was definitely on the limit.”

“I obviously should have complained last year, just as he did today.” Said Sebastian Vettel, who failed to finish the Italian Grand Prix. “For sure I was frustrated as it cost me dearly but now it is water under the bridge. As I said I didn’t complain last year and I won’t in the future. That’s not my way of going about things.:

Regardless of who was at fault during the Italian Grand Prix, Sebastian Vettel was unable to make any inroads to Fernando Alonso’s lead at the top of the Drivers’ Championship. With Vettel now 4th in the Drivers’ Championship, the German will understandably be hoping the mechanical gremlins which plagued him throughout this weekend are conquered before the next race in Singapore.

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