Whiting dismisses VSC manipulation claims

Formula One race director Charlie Whiting has dismissed claims from Ferrari's Sebastien Vettel that the Virtual Safety Car is open to manipulation.

The VSC was introduced in 2015 and when implemented drivers must reduce their speed and stay above a minimum time set by the FIA. Vettel stopped under the VSC at the Spanish Grand Prix and slipped from second to fourth – behind Valtteri Bottas and Max Verstappen – where he remained for the rest of the race.

Vettel stopped under the VSC at the Spanish Grand Prix and slipped from second to fourth – behind Valtteri Bottas and Max Verstappen – where he remained for the rest of the race.

When questioned on Vettel's comments, Whiting said:

“I can sort of see what he’s saying, but seeing the racing line is the optimum line, normally the shortest distance, one would think it’s a little difficult.

“What we’re looking at now is to also use the SC1 line, SC2 line and the timing line as mini sectors, so as to minimise any advantage that a driver might be able to get.”