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Vettel under investigation for "destroying" weighbridge scales

Sebastian Vettel has been summoned to the Brazilian Grand Prix stewards for a weighbridge incident during Formula 1 qualifying in which he “destroyed” the scales.

Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari SF71H

Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari SF71H

Jerry Andre / Motorsport Images

Vettel was rushing back to the pits before setting a laptime during the second qualifying segment in changeable conditions at Interlagos, as Ferrari sent him out on supersoft tyres but wanted him to come in to switch to softs.

Upon entering the pitlane Vettel was called into the weighbridge but the scales were coned off. 

Vettel hit the cone immediately blocking the entry and gesticulated at officials to clear a path.

Keeping the car running, he edged forward while an official was standing directly in front of the car. 

FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer said Vettel “refused to turn off the engine” and the car was pushed onto the scales but he left the engine running, which Bauer said “makes it difficult to get a stable result”.

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Vettel continued to gesticulate and applauded as his path remained blocked by another official.

Once the weighing was complete, Vettel drove off the scales under the car’s own power – which Bauer said “destroyed” them. 

“As the driver was not following the instructions and further compromised the continuation of the weighing procedure, I am referring this matter to the stewards for their consideration,” Bauer stated.

Vettel, who was able to set a time and progress to Q3 after the incident, was knocked out of title contention at the previous grand prix in Mexico. 

However, Ferrari is still trying to prevent Mercedes from clinching the constructors’ championship. 

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