Watch: Sebastian Vettel Takes Moped For A Spin Around Australian GP Track, Under Scrutiny

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel finds himself facing a potential punishment after taking a moped for a spin around the Australian Grand Prix track following 'Free Practice 1' on Friday. Vettel, who had missed the opening two races of the F1 2022 season due to Covid, had a nightmare return to the track on Friday after his Aston Martin broke down in the firt practice session at Albert Park. After getting out of his car, the 34-year-old German was then seen casually riding a mope around the Australian GP track, smiling and waving to fans, after the other cars had returned to the pits. 

"This is the most iconic end to a practice session we can remember," Formula One's official Twitter account posted with a video of Vettel's moped ride to go along with it.

This is the most iconic end to a practice session we can remember#AusGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/4jPlAZotzd

— Formula 1 (@F1) April 8, 2022

But governing body the FIA took a dim view and ordered him to report to the stewards for "unauthorised use of a scooter on the track", which could reportedly result in a fine.

Vettel then failed to appear for the second practice, with his team tweeting that his "car will not be ready to run", in a fresh setback for the three-time Melbourne champion.

"It was a shame to have to finish FP1 earlier than we would have liked -– and then not be able to take part in FP2 -- because today was an important day for me in terms of getting back up to speed with the car and learning a new layout," he said. 

"The positives are that I felt I was able to get comfortable quite quickly and that we had a good balance in the car, too. 

"It is a shame, however, not to have completed more laps, but it was a power unit issue and that meant we had to replace it."

The car is expected to be fine for Saturday's third practice and qualifying, he added.

(With AFP inputs)

Topics mentioned in this article

Aston Martin Sebastian Vettel Australian Grand Prix