Sebastian Vettel raises 'artificial' concerns after Baku restart

Sebastian Vettel has said we “need to watch out” Formula 1 does not become “too artificial” following the standing restart for a two-lap sprint race in Baku.

After Max Verstappen’s sudden crash from the race lead when his tyre blew out on the long, long straight in Baku, those in power had a decision to make: end the rest of the race behind the Safety Car or red flag and restart the race once the track was clear and safe.

They opted for the latter option, possibly influenced by Red Bull who put the safety of the grid first before themselves by expressing their concerns over the tyres as they were given no warning whatsoever that Verstappen’s tyre was about to self-destruct. A red flag gave every team the opportunity to change them.

But the powers-that-be went a step further and made it a standing restart with just two laps of the race to run. And, even though Vettel was one of the drivers to benefit from it with a wonderful P2 finish, he was not completely convinced it was the right idea.

A day like today is only possible when a team works as one.

To our trackside team, the team back at Silverstone, our partners and you, our fans… thank you.

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