Aston Martin to appeal Sebastian Vettel disqualification from Hungarian GP

German stripped of podium finish as only 0.3 litres of fuel could be extracted from his car

Aston Martin's German driver Sebastian Vettel celebrates on the podium after the Formula One Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungarorin.

Formula One team Aston Martin plan to appeal Sebastian Vettel's disqualification from Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix.

The four-time F1 champion finished 1.8 seconds behind surprise winner Esteban Ocon at the Hungoraring but was stripped of a second-place finish as only 0.3 litres of fuel could be extracted from his car instead of the one litre mandated by the rules for a post-race sample.

"The Stewards have received a Notice of Intention of Appeal from Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team ..." said a note from the stewards.

"In this context, the FIA Technical Department representatives were asked by the Stewards to seal and impound Car 5 until such time as the Notice of Appeal is received or the FIA International Court of Appeal makes any determinations as relevant."

The notice from stewards disqualifying Vettel said that Aston Martin team principal Otmar Szafnauer had stated that there should be 1.44 litres of fuel left in Vettel's tank, based on the amount of fuel consumed as measured by a meter that is fitted to all cars.

But, despite being given "several opportunities" the team were unable to pump more than 0.3 litres out of the car.

The decision would promote Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton to second place and extend his championship lead over Red Bull's Max Verstappen to eight points.

But, unconventionally, for the time being Vettel has been left in the final results pending the appeal outcome.

Aston Martin's Sebastian Vettel, Alpine's Esteban Ocon and Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton celebrate on the podium after the Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungaroring on Sunday, August 1, 2021.

Second placed Sebastian Vettel of Aston Martin celebrates with his team in parc ferme after the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Esteban Ocon of Alpine F1 Team celebrates winning the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Race winner Esteban Ocon at Hungaroring.

Second placed Sebastian Vettel of Aston Martin, first placed Esteban Ocon of Alpine and third placed Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes on the podium after the race.

Pierre Gasly of AlphaTauri and Sebastian Vettel of Aston Martin at Hungaroring.

Race winner Esteban Ocon at Hungaroring.

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen steers his car during the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Mercedes' driver Lewis Hamilton finished third on Sunday.