Vettel hits out at “unfair” weighbridge call

Sebastian Vettel has criticised the “unfair” call to be weighed during Brazilian Grand Prix qualifying, which the Ferrari Formula 1 driver is under investigation for after “destroying” the FIA’s scales.

Vettel was pipped to pole position by Lewis Hamilton in Brazil but his front-row starting position could be under threat as he faces an investigation for failing to follow instructions and subsequently damaging the weighbridge scales.

“During the second Qualifying session at 15:27, the driver of car number 05, when called for weighing, refused to turn off the engine,” FIA technical delegate, Jo Bauer, issued in a post-session bulletin.

“The car was pushed onto the scales and weighed with running engine, which makes it difficult to get a stable result. After weighing the driver drove off the scales under its own power, and by doing so, he destroyed the scales.

“As the driver was not following the instructions and further compromised the continuation of the weighing procedure, I am referring this matter to the stewards for their consideration.”

When asked for his view on the incident immediately after the conclusion of qualifying, Vettel replied: “They shouldn’t call us when the conditions are changing like that.

“I think it’s unfair if somebody gets called in. I wanted them to hurry up.”