autoevolution
 

Vatanen Not Granted F1 Pass at Monza

Neither Ari Vatanen nor Jean Todt were seen in the Formula One paddock or walking down the grid at Monza, during last weekend's Italian Grand Prix. However, while the Frenchman was not even present in Italy for the aforementioned race, his rival for the FIA presidency was actually not allowed to make such an appearance.

As revealed by GMM news agency, it seems the Finn “was not granted a pass to walk on the grid prior to Sunday's race.” Although it initially sounded like a rumor, the information was confirmed by both Sir Jackie Stewart – one of Vatanen's most fervently supporters for the FIA presidency – and the very man who gives such F1 passes, championship boss Bernie Ecclestone.

While the former described the snub as being “shocking” in an interview with British newspaper The Guardian, Ecclestone saw nothing wrong in his decision. He actually argued the demand for passes at Monza is usually very high and was not obliged to hand one to Vatanen, considering that the Finn is neither a sponsor, nor a team or FIA official.

I don't see any reason for him (Vatanen) to be on the starting grid. He's not a sponsor, he's not a team owner. This is what happens, particularly at Monza. There were 10 million politicians and their mothers who wanted to be on the grid – goodness only knows why, but they did. We have a limited number of passes which we had agreed to allocate. That was it,” said Ecclestone, according to the aforementioned source.

Todt and Vatanen are to battle for the FIA presidency in October this year, as both have already announced their full programmes and teams for a maiden mandate.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories