August 01, (THEWILL) – It was a dramatic end to the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday with the emergence of Alpine’s Esteban Ocon as the Formula 1 race winner while British Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team driver Sir Lewis Hamilton went from first to last and back to a podium finish to seize the title lead from rival Max Verstappen, who finished ninth.
Ocon came out of the blues to claim a first F1 victory for Alpine-Renault by cashing in on a chaotic Hungarian GP with scenes like from a Hollywood blockbuster as Hamilton raced back from last to what eventually became second to get back on top of the driver’s standing in a leapfrog over Verstappen.
The Red Bull’s driver’s afternoon was wrecked by a multi-car turn-one incident in damp conditions that came about when Valtteri Bottas lost control of his Mercedes and triggered all manner of carnage on the race tracks.
The Mercedes slammed into the back of Lando Norris’ McLaren, which was then shunted into the side of Verstappen. Still in motion, the now out-of-control Mercedes also crashed into Sergio Perez in the other Red Bull, with both out on the spot.
At the end of the chaotic GP, Sebastian Vettel originally finished a close second behind Ocon for Aston Martin. However, following strict application of the rules, Vettel was disqualified from the results late on Sunday night for a breach of fuel regulations after race officials were unable to take the required fuel sample from his car following the race.
This is according to the technical regulations, which mandates competitors to ensure that a 1.0 litre sample of fuel may be taken from the car at any time during the event. After the chaos that ensured, it was only possible to take 0.3 litres from Vettel’s Aston Martin, far below the requirement and a disqualification followed.
By implication, Hamilton moved up to inherit second place and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz was upgraded from fourth to be classified as the final podium finisher in third. It applied that way down the board with the rest of the top 10 behind Vettel inheriting a place each, with Alfa Romeo’s Kimi Raikkonen promoted from P11 into the final points paying position of P10.
Second place also increased Hamilton’s point gain. He therefore extended his title lead over Verstappen by a further two points after picking up 18 points from Hungary in sharp contrast with the two that will accrue to Verstappen.
The full verdict of the stewards reads, in full: “The Stewards heard from the team representative.
“After the race it was not possible to take a 1.0 litre sample of fuel from car 5.
“The team was given several opportunities to attempt to remove the required amount of fuel from the tank, however it was only possible to pump 0.3 litres out.
“During the hearing in presence of the FIA Technical Delegate and the FIA Technical Director the team principal of Aston Martin stated that there must be 1,44 litres left in the tank, but they are not able to get it out. This figure is calculated using the FFM or injector model.
“Given this situation, car No. 5 is not in compliance with the requirements of Art. 6.6 FIA Technical Regulations. According to Art. 6.6.2 competitors must ensure that a 1.0 litre sample of fuel may be taken from the car at any time. The procedure was followed however the 1.0 litre sample of fuel was unable to be taken.
“The Stewards determine to apply the standard penalty for technical infringements. Therefore they took into account, that it shall be no defence to claim that no performance advantage was obtained.
“Competitors are reminded that they have the right to appeal certain decisions of the Stewards, in accordance with Article 15 of the FIA International Sporting Code and Article 10.1.1 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules, within the applicable time limits.”
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
