Sebastian Vettel summoned to stewards in Bahrain after being beaten by Charles Leclerc
SEBASTIAN VETTEL almost received a demoralising penalty during F1 qualifying on Saturday, for driving too SLOWLY.
Sebastian Vettel was beaten to pole position for Sunday’s Bahrain Grand Prix by his 21-year-old team mate, Charles Leclerc.
However, the German will end the day happy after narrowly escaping further embarrassment in the form of a punishment from officials.
Vettel was summoned by stewards after the session after they suspected that he has broken safety car rules.
The four-time world champion was reportedly below the minimum time required between safety car lines.
However, the German hit back with claims that his front tyres were hit with heavy flat-spotting, which later proved to be true.
Former F1 World Champion Nico Roseberg had his say on Vettel’s failure to post a quicker time that his team-mate in qualifying, and suggested that the senior driver would’ve been far from happy.
He said on Sky Sports: “Leclerc has had a perfect session so far so it's looking very good for him.
“He's the favourite for pole.
The car is amazing. I will try to finish the job tomorrow
“Vettel will be very angry in his crash helmet.”
Youngster Leclerc was over the moon with his performance, and could win a Grand Prix for the first time ever on Sunday.
"Thanks guys," he said over team radio.
"The car is amazing. I will try to finish the job tomorrow."
Lewis Hamilton, who finished third on Saturday, is confident that Mercedes can challenge Ferrari.
"Ferrari have been incredibly quick," he said.
"Well done to Charles.
"They have shown incredible pace but that doesn't mean they can't be beaten."