Spanish website Marca.com published the video on Tuesday night embedded in an
article entitled “Vettel, outside the rules” but Ferrari remained silent
until yesterday.
A spokesman confirmed to The Telegraph on Wednesday night: “We are
evaluating the footage. Anything that threatens the credibility of the
championship has to be examined.”
Some would argue that a protest would threaten the credibility of the entire
sport, turning what was magnificent sporting drama into an absolute farce.
The incident in question took place five days ago and Vettel has already been
back to Red Bull’s headquarters in Salzburg as well as the race team’s
factory in Milton Keynes to parade the trophy and to speak to the world’s
media.
While it would likely be overwhelmingly unpopular, at least with race fans
other than diehard tifosi, Ferrari are not ruling out an appeal and believe
they have until Friday to do so.
Although the FIA has already published the final race classification, which in
theory means race stewards were satisfied that they had dealt with all race
incidents, Article 179b of the International Sporting Code states that
appeals can be lodged up until Nov 30 if “a new element is discovered” which
could affect the result of the championship.
The article reads: “If, in events forming part of an FIA championship, a new
element is discovered, whether or not the stewards of the meeting have
already given a ruling, these stewards of the meeting or, failing this,
those designated by the FIA must meet summoning the party or parties
concerned to hear any relevant explanations and to judge in the light of the
facts and elements brought before them.”
It adds: “The period during which an appeal in review may be brought expires
on 30 November of the year during which the decision that is liable to
review has been handed down, if that decision is likely to have an effect on
the result of a championship.”
The FIA would not confirm on Wednesday night whether an investigation was
taking place, or whether the race stewards had investigated the incident in
question at the time.
The suggestion is that the infringement, if it is proved, could earn Vettel a
20-second post-race penalty, in lieu of a drive-through, relegating him to
eighth position – enough to hand the title to Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso, who
finished the race in second place, by a single point.
Alonso, who was gracious in defeat on Sunday, has a reputation for being
utterly ruthless and it would surprise no one if he was pushing Ferrari to
protest.
The Spaniard sent a tweet out on Tuesday night to his 1.3 million followers in
Spanish stating: “I don’t believe in miracles. I make my miracles out of the
correct rules. #Samurai”.
Vettel, who triggered a minor controversy by referring in his victory speech
to rivals’ “dirty tricks” is believed to be confident that he saw green
flags being waved.
Red Bull declined to comment on Wednesday night.