Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has labelled the penalty handed to Lewis Hamilton at the British Grand Prix as overly severe.
Hamilton’s hopes of making progress in front of his home supporters took a major blow when officials ruled that he had jumped the start as the race got underway. The decision resulted in a five-second time penalty, which Ferrari served during the Briton’s first pit stop.
“The Stewards determined that after the third red light was illuminated, and before the start signal was given, Car 44 moved,” the FIA stated.
“This was clearly visible on the on-board footage by reference to the yellow Pirelli lettering on the tyre, which rotated upwards and forwards before the lights were extinguished.
“The fact that the movement was limited does not negate the infringement. Any such movement in that interval constitutes a false start / moving before the start signal.”
Vasseur came to Hamilton’s defence after the race, arguing that the sanction was unjustified.
According to the Ferrari boss, data from the team’s SF-26 showed no evidence that Hamilton’s car moved before the starting lights went out.
He maintained that the onboard sensors failed to register any movement prior to the official start signal, leading him to question the stewards’ verdict.
“From the sensors we don’t see the car moving on the grid, but it’s true that on the video you see the sticker on the tyres moving a little bit. It’s not me judging if it’s a false start or not,” said Vasseur.
“I think it’s a bit harsh when the sensors are not moving.
“Mistakes? You are a bit harsh. The car is moving on the grid for 2mm. It’s a possibility, but it’s a bit harsh to say it’s a mistake.”
