Note: the author of this post is 100% neutral to Seb himself.
First of all: question. Have you noticed what Formula 1 fans have been talking about for last months? Sebastian Vettel winning Monaco due to team tactics over Kimi. Sebastian Vettel becoming a driver of the day finishing fifth in Canada. Sebastian Vettel hitting Lewis Hamilton in Azerbaijan. Kind of anti-hero tendency, isn't it?
I have been writing a whole article on what has happened in Monaco, so let me remain kind of silent in this case or go read it. I didn't say too much on Seb in Montreal as long as I decided that there was nothing too sensational. I just really didn't like the choice of him as the best driver since there were so many good performances from other pilots, especially young ones. But let me talk about this NOT AN ACCIDENT in Baku.
Look what I wrote in my post about the race: "Yes, Lewis probably braked too quick so Seb clashed into him. Was that an accident? I suppose YES. What happened next? Seb went too emotional and hit Lewis. Did he do this on purpose? I am sure that YES. Was that all just emotions? Absolutely YES. He got his penalty and lost the leadership in the race, potential podium, some points. Was the penalty enough? I have no idea, it's all up to jury. Should he said he was at least sorry for unnecessary action? I suppose YES. But he didn't. Why? We'd better ask him." I do really think so. Still. But the situation got the development.
FIA decided that they need some kind of a further investigation. And they even invited Seb to the headquarters so here what happened. The date of FIA hearing has been set and it was 3rd of July, Vettel's 30th birthday. Interesting, no? Throughout the day we had some FAKE FIA press releases which said there will be further punishment so we already got some public reaction (quite controversial).
But later on journalists got the official document from FIA officer that said: "Sebastian Vettel extended his sincere apologies to the FIA and the wider motor sport family. He additionally committed to devote personal time over the next 12 months to educational activities across a variety of FIA championships and events, including in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, the FIA Formula 3 European Championship, at an FIA Formula 4 Championship to be defined and at the FIA Stewards’ seminar. Due to this incident, President Jean Todt instructed that no road safety activities should be endorsed by Sebastian Vettel until the end of this year.
The FIA notes this commitment, the personal apology made by Sebastian Vettel and his pledge to make that apology public. The FIA also notes that Scuderia Ferrari is aligned with the values and objectives of the FIA.
In light of these developments, FIA President Jean Todt decided that on this occasion the matter should be closed."
Seb admitted his full responsibility. There are his words published in his website after the hearing where he admitted he is sorry for what has happened, he defined he loves this sport and he is not going to ruin its reputation for future generations. He also agreed to volunteer to help educate young racing drivers at events this year, with the FIA warning him that any repeat of what happened in Baku will prompt an International Tribunal hearing.
But as it was mentioned a few times in different media there's too much mysterious in that very situation. Not just the appologies coming after the decision but also the presence of only Ferrari side at the meeting with no Hamilton, no Mercedes side. Even the decision itself looked a little strange as long as that was not the first time when Seb's overreacted. Yes, on one hand it is dangerous for FIA that his example might give drivers the mutual permission to do crazy things and then just appologies. On the other hand who knows for how long it would take FIA to go further. And moreover, Seb has 10 sec stop-and-go penalty which is also a lot and further punishment might do harm to the Grand Prix reputation in general. Black flag as an option in Baku? I don't know and personally I don't see the reason to talk about past. Anyways the whole thing is up to the organization now and we can only guess on the possible reasons.
Again the clash and its consequences could not be unnoticed so here are some reasons why personally I think Seb is becoming more and more a kind of an anti-hero for the F1 world.
1. Insincerity
After the whole Baku situation I have defined a few points of view of journalists and F1 fans who were absolutely sure that the apologies for what Seb did in Baku should have come before FIA statement and even before they announced the investigation itself.
That is what I absolutely agree with. Here I must admit that I am more of a kind of person who understands the arrogance and other bad human nature things which not let Seb to say sorry right after the race. It's human nature, yes and unfortunately it is quite normal.
2. Kimi's abuser
Ferrari itself never announced the existence of team strategy. But now, after eight races probably EVERYONE understands that Seb is fighting for the title and team would always put him in front of Kimi as they might do in Monaco (no statement again). Sadly, unfortunately, undeniable.
3. Bad example
As long as FIA hearing did nothing but made Seb to say sorry after all, this might serve as a bad example for not only F1 drivers but also for the whole young generation. Yes, right now I am talking about the position where pilots could not only do crazy moves and expect no punishment but where they could be inspired to be that kind of "bad boys". Like in movies but on track. Not a proper inspiration, right?
4. Lewis' opponent
Huge LH44 team is 100% against Seb right now buttttt. Even if you are quite neutral to Lewis and Mercedes you probably see all those actions Ferrari and Seb use to overpass Lewis in championship as long as he MOSTLY is just racing (I do remember some incidents but they had no such a resonance, however, Mercedes admits team strategy clearly). Sympathy goes not to Seb. Unfortunately.
Probably there might be some more reasons but I don't really want to look like Seb's hater. So here I must say that I am over this situation now. Hopefully you too!
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