Internet outraged over fine Vettel: 'Better role model than FIA itself'

There are many conclusions to be drawn from the sprint race for the Austrian Grand Prix. Max Verstappen disappeared on the horizon while the Ferrari's battled it out for second place, but the biggest discussion came after the race: Sebastian Vettel had to go before the stewards once again.

Internet falls out over Vettel fine and FIA use of words

The Aston Martin driver had to answer for leaving the driver's briefing without permission, where the inconsistency of the race direction and stewards was discussed. Vettel expressed his frustration over that fact, which earned him a conditional fine of €25,000.

What many Twitter users have the biggest problem with is the FIA's choice of words. The stewards judged that the German had failed in his role as a role model, while according to many viewers that is exactly what Vettel excels in. George Russell also reinforced Vettel's criticism by stating that Formula 1 would be better off going back to one race director after drivers increasingly criticised the inconsistent decisions of stewards and race directors Eduardo Freitas and Niels Wittich.

Sebastian Vettel is a much MUCH better role model than all of those useless, incompetent cowards called “FIA members” combined and I don’t accept some clowns saying otherwise, only cause he *checks notes* criticised incompetency and left a meeting without permission. A joke. @fia https://t.co/qBBRaWLm3a pic.twitter.com/vcKiKl28sZ

— Ebru (@burgonya) July 9, 2022

If you told me 10 years ago that Vettel would be controversial because he wore a helmet with bees on it I’d ask you how you got into my house and to please leave.

— Travis Okulski (@tokulski) July 9, 2022

Vettel : pic.twitter.com/p9PJC78x6N

— Niels (@Hecktriebler_) July 9, 2022

Sebastian Vettel be coming for all of the @FIA’s jobs when he’s done driving. No one would be better for the role of race director than him should he ever want it. #F1 #AustrianGP https://t.co/VamnyG9m3F

— Amy Robinson (@amysavannah_95) July 9, 2022

@Ben_Sulayem Punishing Sebastian Vettel today is a new low point in a very long list of bad decisions, terrible race direction, awful stewarding and an absolute focus on money over everything else in @F1 this year. Shame on you @fia

— Julie (@julieofficial) July 9, 2022

I personally disagree with this. Vettel leaving is exactly who I want Vettel to be. He is the perfect role model actually. F1 is wrong on this one. Bring @MichaelMasiF1 back!!

— Biff Stephens (@biffstephens) July 9, 2022

I know the fia didn’t use the words ‘drivers are role models’ and ‘Vettel failed to live up to that standard’ in the same sentence pic.twitter.com/WlRIUigqhU

— nic (@nnicolef1) July 9, 2022

How hard are they reaching to call Vettel a bad role model for drivers? I'd say even people in general. It's difficult to find two more better drivers than him in that regard.

— lungifam (@lungifam) July 9, 2022

Sebastian Vettel inspires me to stand up for causes i believe in tbh

— mckenna (@mckennyay) July 9, 2022

So when is the FIA going to change?

Considering the amount of inconsistent decisions recently, surely we need just one competent race director with a simplified rule book?

Surely it isnt difficult to keep consistency no?

Can't be having decisions like today and recently again

— Lewis Francis (@F1Franno) July 9, 2022

George wants another race director fired?

— Paul Orozco (@TKSoundGuy) July 9, 2022