UpdateF1 >> Formula 1 News > Vettel backs Hamilton's penalty

German feels unfair advantage

Jun.22 (GMM) Sebastian Vettel on Sunday indicated that he backs the decision to give Lewis Hamilton a controversial drive-through penalty during the French grand prix.

The Toro Rosso driver was passed by Hamilton, who races for McLaren, at the Magny-Cours circuit, moments before Hamilton cut a chicane and triggered a stewards' investigation.

McLaren figures suggested that the penalty was not deserved, including Mercedes' Norbert Haug, who said: "I don't believe Sebastian Vettel will have complained.

"He will probably come to me ... 'that was no disadvantage'," Haug added.

Vettel told reporters afterwards: "He had a better exit than me from the Adelaide hairpin.

"I was inside, to defend my position, and had the better line for curves six and seven. Lewis arrived with more speed; I went from the gas and braked and he kept going.

"For me it was clear that he was going to cut the chicane."

The 20-year-old German said Hamilton would not have been penalised had he immediately let him take back the position.

"He cut the chicane completely. I had a similar situation at the Monaco chicane, when I was too late on the brakes. I overtook two cars but I let them go again and so the issue was settled.

"If someone stays out in front, there is a penalty. I think he should have let me past again because he had a better car and could have passed me again."

Written: Mon, 23 Jun 2008 07:55:06