Ferrari withdraws Canada appeal but could ask for review

Ferrari has withdrawn its appeal regarding the five-second penalty which cost Sebastian Vettel victory in the Canadian Grand Prix, but could still request an official review.

A spokesperson for the team has told ESPN: “We have withdrawn our intention to appeal and we are evaluating our right to review.”

Ferrari had 96 hours after Monday morning’s (AEST) race to lodge an appeal, although there appeared to be no avenue to overturn the penalty under Formula 1’s sporting regulations.

The FIA’s International Sporting Code, however, gives scope for a post-event review if a ‘significant and new element’ comes to light that was not considered at the time.

If that is the case, then Ferrari has 14 days after the fact to lodge the petition for the review, giving it until the day after next weekend’s French Grand Prix.

Article 14.1.1 of the FIA’s International Sporting Code states: “(If) a significant and relevant new element is discovered which was unavailable to the parties seeking the review at the time of the Competition concerned, whether or not the stewards have already given a ruling, these stewards or, failing this, those designated by the FIA, must meet (in person or by other means) on a date agreed amongst themselves, 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.”

Vettel crossed the finish line in the lead of the motor race but was officially classified in second position having been penalised for rejoining the track in an unsafe manner when he ran through the grass at Turn 3 on Lap 48.

The sanction saw Lewis Hamilton inherit the win, his fifth of the season to date and Mercedes’ seventh from seven.

The French Grand Prix takes place from June 21-23.