Sebastian Vettel once found a loophole in the F1 rule set and executed a cheeky double overtake

In the 2016 Chinese Grand Prix, Sebastian Vettel overtook Hulkenberg and Sainz in the pit lane in the most iconic way.

Sebastian Vettel once found a loophole in the F1 rule set and executed a cheeky double overtake

Sebastian Vettel

The 2016 Chinese Grand Prix was held at the Shanghai International circuit. It was the third race of the year. It was also the thirteenth Chinese Grand Prix held in Formula One. Nico Rosberg, the Mercedes driver won the race followed by Sebastian Vettel. Mercedes AMG Petronas dominated that season. The season marked Nico Rosberg’s first and last title in Formula 1. He was clear of solid points ahead of his teammate and defending champion, Lewis Hamilton.

Sebastian Vettel, the Ferrari driver back then, came second in the 2016 Chinese Grand Prix. During the race, Vettel, attempting to avoid Red Bull’s Daniel Kvyat made contact with his Ferrari teammate Kimi Raikkonen. After the race, Vettel called Kvyat, “The Torpedo,” because of the incident. The Ferraris continued the race, fortunately. 

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In the course of the Grand Prix, the safety car had been deployed and some of the drivers pitted. Sebastian Vettel overtook Nico Hulkenberg and Carlos Sainz on his way to the pit lane. The incident made some noise in the paddock but Vettel assured that he read the handbook and knew the rules. It was argued that the pit lane was not part of the track and hence the double overtake during the safety car was allowed.

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Sebastian Vettel read the handbook and found a loophole for a pit lane overtake

Sebastian Vettel

Vettel in his prime was not to be messed with. The Formula 1 fans have not forgotten the 2016 Chinese Grand Prix double overtake by him. While it was cheeky of him, it was clean and an iconic move. Vettel successfully found a loophole in the rule set by the FIA and made use of it.

However, after this incident, overtaking in the pit lane was strictly banned. It can be gambled that it was a smart move by Vettel as the cars ahead were moving at a slow pace. The Ferrari driver knew the rules and took advantage of them. It was one of the classic overtakes in the history of Formula One.

The German driver holds four world titles. After a wild ride in the sport, he called it quits last season. Vettel who was driving for Aston Martin, announced his retirement last season. For the first time since 2007, the driver will not be racing in Formula 1. His retirement came as a shock to his fans all around the world. With a heavy heart, the motorsports fans watched him bid farewell to the sport. His contribution to the sport is plenty and it is safe to say over the years he has captured the heart of millions.

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