Official: Vettel will start from the pit lane in Austin
The FIA has confirmed that Sebastian Vettel will start from the pit lane on Sunday at the United States Grand Prix for using a sixth power unit this season.
Sebastian Vettel did not hide in recent days that he would probably not take part in the qualifying session of the United States Grand Prix held in Austin and would start the race from the pit lane due to the use of a 6th engine block this season.
But for the moment, nothing was official, but that is now the case because the FIA has confirmed that the German will start from the pit lane as he will use his 6th power unit of the year, while the regulations set a limit of 5 usable without penalty.
The Red Bull RB10 of the reigning quadruple world champion will feature a new engine, a new turbo, a new MGU-K, a new MGU-H, new batteries, and a new electronic control system. The FIA was informed on Monday of the Austrian team’s decision.
Vettel could however take part in the qualifying session but without driving too much as Christian Horner told the BBC: « We will definitely take part in qualifying. But we must be cautious with the mileage; he has to do three race weekends with this power unit. »
With this penalty, it’s the end of a streak for Vettel who had secured pole position in the last two races held at the Circuit of the Americas. He had also always finished in the top two at the finish line – second in the first edition in 2012 and winner last year.
