Vettel Penalty Justified: Australia 2009

GrandPrixDB sides with the FIA in handing out a 10-spot grid penalty in the upcoming Malaysian GP to Sebastian Vettel for his role in the late race incident with Robert Kubica at the 2009 Australian GP. You can read our analysis here.

Although many observers disagree with the ruling, Vettel could have, and should have, avoided the incident. The fact is that the dramatic speed discrepancy between the two cars was due to Vettel’s tires going off and Kubica’s natural pace at the time. Kubica did not use any artificial means to gain speed such as cutting a chicane or otherwise using a non-racing part of the circuit. By simply braking a meter earlier, Vettel could have avoided the entire mess.

Ultimately, Vettel was not fighting for position because in reality he had no means in which to fight off Kubica. And he knew it. His tires were completely spent and there were too many laps left in the race (three). As I mentioned in my previous post, the only way Vettel could prevent Kubica from passing would be to take him out.

However, I disagree with Eddie Jordan’s assertion that Vettel apologizing to Mario Thiesson afterwards is a sign of weakness. The racing world has become accustomed to the Michael Shumachers and Lewis Hamiltons, who act with impunity and see no reason to offer a simple apology for an admitted mistake in the heat of battle. The fact is Vettel has an irrepressible spirit and we all know he will come back with maximum effort in Malaysia and beyond.

You’re wrong Eddie. Vettel’s ability to admit a mistake and take responsibility in a mature manner is more a sign of strength than weakness. Vettel showed his class and true self confidence in this act of pure sportsmanship.