Aston Martin driver Sebastian Vettel has been fined €5,000 ($7,300 AUD) for a bizarre scooter incident during practice at the Australian Grand Prix.
Vettel’s car suffered engine issues in Friday’s first practice session, with a red flag called after he was forced to abandon his car on the track.
Instead of being transported back to pit lane with a marshal, he took the marshal’s scooter and drove himself back to the garage.
The unusual sight of the Formula 1 driver riding a scooter on track was investigated after the race under Article 26.7 of race regulations, which states drivers can’t enter the track five minutes after any session is concluded.
Vettel putting in practise laps on his scooter might be the highlight of the season 😅💚 #AustralianGP
— ESPN F1 (@ESPNF1) April 8, 2022
(via @F1)pic.twitter.com/mthszN1dG9
Stewards opted to fine the four-time championship winner, capping off a difficult day for the German.
Vettel had earlier missed the first two races of the season after testing positive for COVID-19, leaving little preparation time ahead of the Australian Grand Prix.
Third practice will begin at 1pm on Saturday, with qualifying for the much-anticipated race to start at 4pm.