The 23-year old reigning world champion was advised by the Turkish organizers not to enjoy his well-deserved champagne on the podium, during the post-race celebration, as the law in Turkey prohibits the use of alcohol for everyone under 24 years of age. But he did it anyway!
“It had been said in the drivers’ briefing. The law is 24 and he is 23,” confirmed Red Bull's team principal Christian Horner, according to a recent report from Eurosport.
The law about restricting alcohol use, as well as licence requirements and marketing, has been introduced by the ruling AK Party earlier this year and, needless to say, attracted huge criticism from the public opinion.
While the law clearly did not affect Vettel – who was the only driver subject to the alcohol-prohibition law, as teammate Webber and 3rd place Fernando Alonso had no problem with the age requirements – it did produce some changes to the liveries of some teams in the paddock. One example is Sauber F1 Team, who had to withdraw their Tequila logos from their car in order to comply with the Turkish laws.
Whether the F1 field will enjoy the same treatment next year is still under the question mark, as the fate of the Turkish Grand Prix is yet to be decided by F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone. Although not too keen on getting rid of the race for 2012, Ecclestone's request to the Turkish organizers for doubling the fees for next year's event is yet to be responded affirmatively.
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