Sebastian Vettel

Lots of threads have alluded to having a discussion about the current world champion so lets get it all off our collective chests (oooeer!)

Lots has been has been written about this young man from his testing debut with BMW Sauber in 2006 aged just 19 - he then progressed to the the toro rosso team for his first full race season in 2008 - the memorable race being his drive in the wet at Fuji where he managed to rear end his future team mate Mark Webber who said ""It's kids isn't it... kids with not enough experience – they do a good job and then they fuck it all up." - Little was Mark to know he would be paired with the "Kid" just 2 years later.

His maiden win came at the 2008 Italian GP where he qualified up from, the race started under the safety car in the rain and the young German led from start to finish in the Toro Rosso - becoming the youngest winner of a grand prix ever.

Then we enter the era of the Red Bull. In 2009 he joined the Red Bull team, which got off to a torrid start as he managed to crash into Kubika in Australia, a feat he would go on to repeat during the 09 season.

Last year needs no mention........

So to the crux of the matter. Is Sebastian Vettel?

the real deal, the baby schumi, the new pretender - a genuine racer? - aka Wunderkind

or

A very quick driver, who lucked into a very fast car and can bang it on pole and lead from lights to flag and be the quickest pilot of a car, yet can't overtake for toffee? aka WunOrAother

 

[Galahad]

Vettels actions and FIA's response will have an impact on youngers drivers views on how they drive on the racetracks and roads.

Not sure if anyone has mentioned the case of Daniel Ticktum here yet? Not because of the nature of the offence - they're very different - but the punishment handed out: a two-year ban later reduced to 12 months.

I suspect that will have more impact on young drivers' behaviour than anything Vettel says now.

One other thing: I wonder where we would be now if Hamilton had seen Vettel coming and swerved to avoid contact? If we accept there was intent, does it make a difference whether contact is made, or not?

 

[Andyoak]

Intention to collide would have to be applied everytime a driver gets squeezed when being overtaken.

 

[FB]

I'm no legal expert but if I set out to kill you and get caught in the act it doesn't change the fact that I was trying to murder you. Setting out to commit a crime and not succeeding is not a defence.

To quote Sideshow Bob "Attempted murder," now honestly, did they ever give anyone a Nobel prize for "attempted chemistry?"

 

[FB]

No further penalty for Vettel, sorry folks - FIA Official Statement following the 2017 Azerbaijan Grand Prix

 

[cider_and_toast]

So he has to rock up to a few chosen schools with Humphrey the FIA road safety bear and teach kids how to cross the Autobahn safely.

 

[Chasz]

For me the main thing is that he has admitted blame and apologised. Let's move on!

 

[The Pits]

This isnt even the end of the beginning on this!

 

[Greenlantern101]

Well thats sets a good president. The drivers know they can now ram other drivers if they feel upset. Job done.

 

[RasputinLives]

Jean Todt. Man of action.

 

[Road of Bones]

Inaction Man, more like...

 

[The Pits]

I'm looking forward to the carnage of the next few races, as all the drivers strive to bash in to each other. I wonder what happens if there are no cars running after the first lap?

 

[Kewee]

For me the main thing is that he has admitted blame and apologised. Let's move on!

Only after the firing squad.

 

[Titch]

I think you are all being very unkind, he's obviously got amnesia, and needs medical help.

 

[RasputinLives]

I'm looking forward to the carnage of the next few races, as all the drivers strive to bash in to each other. I wonder what happens if there are no cars running after the first lap?

Mclaren's are so slow that no one will be able to hit them.

 

[The Pits]

They could always hit eachother

 

[Greenlantern101]

Sebs apology.

“During the restart lap, I got surprised by Lewis and ran into the back of his car, with hindsight, I don't believe he had any bad intentions.

In the heat of the action I then overreacted, and therefore I want to apologise to Lewis directly, as well as to all the people who were watching the race. I realise that I was not setting a good example.

I had no intention at any time to put Lewis in danger, but I understand that I caused a dangerous situation.

Therefore, I would like to apologise to the FIA. I accept and respect the decisions that were taken at today’s meeting in Paris, as well as the penalty imposed by the Stewards in Baku.

I love this sport and I am determined to represent it in a way that can be an example for future generations.”

 

[sobriety]

I posted this in the other thread, it's an old one, but relevent to this

 

[Incubus]

Reminds me a bit of John Cleese's apology in A Fish Called Wanda. It was a bit similar in the way he was forced into it.

 

[Bushi]

Look what the FIA did!!! It's already contaminated other sports, Sagan bashing Cavendish in the tour the France.

 

[teabagyokel]

... and how did Le Tour react?

Think twice, even if you're World Champion...