Hockenheim, Germany – Defending champion Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull was demoted to fifth at the German Grand Prix on Sunday after receiving a 20sec penalty for passing Jenson Button.
Vettel was handed the penalty for his manoeuvre past McLaren's Button on the penultimate lap and dropped back having initially finished second 3.7 sec behind race winner, and world championship leader, Fernando Alonso of Spain.
German Vettel received a drive-through penalty after he passed Button by running off track at a hairpin exit, which race stewards found to be illegal.
"Car 1 left the track and gained an advantage when he rejoined. Breach of article 20.2 of the FIA Formula 1 sporting regulations," the stewards ruled. – Sapa-AFP