The debate: Should the fuel rule should be scrapped?
General
- GPblog.com
Sebastian Vettel drove a very strong Grand Prix in Hungary and put his Aston Martin into second place. A fantastic result for a team that normally doesn't get on the podium just like that. He now loses it due to a disqualification, because he had too little fuel in his tank.
Disqualification is hard for Aston Martin
After every Grand Prix the FIA has to take a sample of the fuel, to check if it is legal. In total one litre has to remain in the tank, something which was not the case with Vettel. For the FIA it is simple: if there are no litres left in the car it is illegal. A disqualification is the logical consequence. I
Aston Martin is still contesting the disqualification. But if the team cannot show that there are enough litres in the tank Vettel will be disqualified. It hardly ever happens, but after a race like this it is very hard for the whole team.
Comparison with other rules and classes
A disqualification seems a very harsh decision, especially when you consider that Valtteri Bottas and Lance Stroll who drove several drivers out of the race at the first corner 'only' get a five-place penalty at the next race. Now technical and sporting regulations are difficult to compare, but for many fans it will seem unfair.
Looking at other racing classes, drivers in IndyCar for example can keep on racing until the last drop is out of the tank. Consider the 2016 Indy 500 race won by Alexander Rossi who barely had any speed on the last lap because his tank was empty. That added to the excitement.
The Hot Take
Therefore today's Hot take: The FIA should remove the fuel rule and drivers should be able to drive with a full tank empty. Do you agree or disagree with this proposition? Then vote in the poll below and let us know in the comments why you agree or disagree!