Sebastian Vettel has called on Formula 1 to adopt more “common sense” regarding red flag regulations after he was handed a grid drop for the United States Grand Prix.
The first practice session at the Circuit of the Americas, held in wet conditions, was stopped when Sauber’s Charles Leclerc went off at Turn 9, depositing gravel onto the circuit as he recovered.
Officials deemed it necessary to sweep the track surface of gravel in the wake of Leclerc’s off.
Vettel was out on track when the session was halted and returned to the pit lane – but was placed under investigation for allegedly having failed to stay above the minimum delta time as mandated by the FIA.
Stewards subsequently concluded that Vettel was in breach of the regulations.
In line with sanctions issued to Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo in Australia and Force India’s Esteban Ocon in Japan, Vettel was handed a three-place grid penalty.
But Vettel was adamant that he slowed sufficiently and reckons the wet conditions in the session means the regulations require a re-think.
“They [stewards] were very specific, saying I took 27.7s to slow down,” said Vettel.
“I saw the red flag and slowed down, had a look around to see if there was a car potentially stuck in the wall or if there was one around Turn 9 or 10 and then slowed down significantly to comply with the rules.
“They found it took too long and I think it’s pretty straightforward.
“I think on top there might have been an issue with the timing, with the system. I was aware I slowed down and not much more to say."
When asked whether there should be more common sense, he replied: “I think there should be common sense with the rules that we have.
“Lining out 27.7s precisely as an act of not complying with the rules… I think it’s wrong, I think I slowed down, I had a good look around.
“I think the rules are clear as well so we know but I think this is the first time we had this in the wet and in the wet the target is a lot slower so you literally have to stop to 30kph or 40kph to bring down the delta, which probably I should do next time.
“But in my opinion it’s not the right thing because if there is a car behind you it might run into you but it’s more important that you don’t get a penalty.”
Vettel finished 10th in the second practice session as title rival Lewis Hamilton comfortably led the way.
