Sebastian Vettel has been fined €5,000 for riding a scooter back to the pit lane following his on-track stoppage during FP1 in Melbourne.
Vettel waited until after the chequered flag to return to the Aston Martin garage, using a moped to transport himself back.
However, he was placed under investigation by the Stewards, who have now found him guilty of breaching Article 26.7 of the sporting regulations.
The related section of the rules outlines that nobody can enter the track within a five minute period following every practice session, except for marshals, a driver when driving or on foot with prior permission or team personnel in the act of pushing a car or clearing equipment.
“The Stewards determine that Car 5 stopped on the circuit due to a mechanical issue,” read a statement from the Stewards.
“At the end of the session, VET sought a way to return to his pit. A marshal was at the location with a scooter.
“VET asked if he could drive the scooter in order to return to his pit. The marshal assented. VET got on the scooter, expecting the marshal to get on behind him.
“When he didn’t get on, VET departed alone for the pit, without the prior approval to do so. Meanwhile, the marshal was trying to contact Race Control for instructions.
“In driving on the track to his pit, instead of the designated route, VET breached Article 26.7 of the Formula One Sporting Regulations, which prohibits anyone from being on the track in the five-minute period after the end of a session, with the exception of specifically identified personnel, which makes no provision for drivers to have such access unless specifically authorized.”
Vettel has returned to the paddock this weekend after missing the opening two rounds of the 2022 F1 season due to testing positive for Covid-19.
The German was unable to set any laps during FP2 as mechanics worked on his car following his Power Unit-related issue.
