FIA will take no further action over Sebastian Vettel’s radio outburst towards Race Director Charlie Whiting at the Mexican Grand Prix.
The Ferrari driver repeatedly swore over the radio and at one point telling Whiting to “f**k off”, after Red Bull rival Max Verstappen took to the grass at Turn 1 in the closing stages and maintained third place.
Verstappen was penalised immediately after the race, which promoted Vettel to the final podium spot. Vettel was then punished for a separate incident with the other Red Bull of Daniel Ricciardo.
Vettel had a meeting with Whiting to explain his messages and later sent letters to both Whiting and FIA President Jean Todt to apologise.
The full statement from FIA:
At the recent Mexican Grand Prix, the Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel made comments over team radio using repeated foul language directed at both the FIA Formula 1 Race Director Charlie Whiting and a fellow competitor which were retransmitted during the live broadcast of the event.
Immediately following this incident, Sebastian Vettel spontaneously sought out Charlie Whiting to express his regrets for his behaviour in person. He then, again on his own initiative, sent letters to each of the FIA President Jean Todt and Charlie Whiting. In which he apologised profusely for his actions. He also indicated that he would likewise be contacting Max Verstappen and vowed that such an incident would never occur again.
In the light of this sincere apology and strong commitment, the FIA President has decided, on an exceptional basis, not to take disciplinary action against Mr Vettel by bringing this matter before the FIA International Tribunal.
The FIA will always condemn the use of offensive language in motor sport — especially when directed at officials and/or fellow participants. And expects all participants in its championships to be respectful and mindful of the example they set for the public and the younger generation in particular.
The FIA takes this opportunity to advise that, in the event of any future incident similar to the one that occurred in Mexico, disciplinary action will be taken by bringing such incident before the FIA International Tribunal to be judged.
