As if Sebastian Vettel’s World Drivers’ Championship title hopes weren’t in bad enough shape, the German Ferrari driver now finds himself just one reprimand away from receiving a grid penalty. He was given his second reprimand of the season at this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix.
The reprimand in Japan was for skipping the national anthem. Attending the national anthem ceremony is required under the current regulations, leading the FIA to reprimand Vettel after the race for his actions. Vettel opted to stay by his car on the starting grid while the team rushed to fix a spark plug issue before the formation lap.
Vettel’s first reprimand of the season was in Monaco. This was for crossing the line at the pit lane exit during qualifying.
Any driver who receives three or more reprimands in a single season is given a ten-place grid penalty at the next race, meaning that Vettel needs to avoid any disciplinary measures for the rest of the season. This is governed under article 18.2 of the Formula One Sporting Regulations.
