A marshal runs with a green flag during the start of the Formula One Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai on April 9, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Johannes EISELE (Photo credit should read JOHANNES EISELE/AFP/Getty Images)

This time last weekend drivers were readying themselves for the start of a wet Chinese Grand Prix. After the cars did their formation lap and came back to take their places on the grid there was something a little on the unusual side. Sebastian Vettel had parked his Ferrari towards the middle of the circuit instead of being positioned inside his ‘grid box'

The stewards were asked to investigate the matter and the verdict was returned that no further action would be taken. It seemed as if Vettel had moved over to avoid water that was on the track in his ‘box' so that he could get a proper start and not slip in the water.

Afterwards Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner called upon the FIA to clarify the situation, because potentially, allowing Vettel to get away with the move left the door open for other drivers lining up wherever they pleased as well.

Now after a drivers briefing in Bahrain on Friday evening, a meeting that got rather heated indeed when the situation was raised as to why Vettel was not penalized, the verdict has been handed down that anyone opting to follow Vettel's lead would more than likely result in a penalty.

FIA official Charlie Whiting said he could have aborted the start upon seeing the Ferrari way out of his grid position, but it was his choice to refer it to the stewards instead, who in turn, deemed no penalty was warranted.