Ferrari summoned over Vettel appeal

After deciding not to proceed with an appeal, Ferrari has lodged a request for an official review ahead of the French Grand Prix.

Vettel won the Canadian race ‘on the road’ but was relegated to second place behind Hamilton.

Ferrari has been called to attend a hearing on Friday at the French Grand Prix to inquire into the team’s request for a review of Sebastian Vettel’s penalty at the Canadian Grand Prix.

The meeting is expected to be with the stewards of the French event acting as replacements on behalf of the Canadian stewards.

READ | French GP in numbers

Four-time world champion Vettel won the Canadian race ‘on the road’ but was relegated to second place behind defending five-time champion Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes by a five seconds time penalty.

The penalty was given to Vettel for rejoining the race unsafely after going off track and across a strip of grass. As he rejoined he forced Hamilton to take avoiding action as he passed him at the first chicane.

The International Sporting Code of the sport’s ruling body, the International Motoring Federation (FIA), gives competitors an option for a post-event review of decisions, if new evidence is put forward.

Under Article 14.1.1 of the code, the FIA can reconvene stewards or replacements to look again at the case.

After deciding not to proceed with an appeal, Ferrari lodged a request for an official review and on Thursday an announcement by the Canadian stewards called Ferrari representatives to the hearing.

The Canadian stewards were Emanuele Pirro, Gerd Ennser, Mathieu Remmerie and Mike Kaerne while Tim Mayer, Mathieu Remmerie, Yannick Dalmas and Jea-Marie Krempff are the appointed stewards for the French event.

The hearing is scheduled to start 45 minutes before second free practice.

- Drivers speak out -

Several leading Formula One drivers on Thursday spoke out against the penalty handed to Sebastian Vettel at the Canadian Grand Prix - just 24 hours before the controversial decision is due to be reviewed.

Carlos Sainz of McLaren and Renault's Nico Hulkenberg made clear their views against the penalty, which cost Vettel a vital victory for Ferrari, and were backed by Max Verstappen of Red Bull.

All three, however, said they did not blame the stewards, but the rules.

Talking to reporters at the French grand Prix weekend Hulkenberg said: “My opinion is that it's just racing - it's hard to control a car on grass and when you make re-entry to the track. We are simply not in full control and don't have normal grip.

“So, for me it's a racing incident. In terms of the rules, there are different judgments every weekend from the stewards.”

(inputs from AFP)