Bernie Ecclestone was not happy at seeing the closing laps of the Malaysian Grand Prix shaped by team orders.
Both Red Bull and Mercedes issued instructions to their drivers to hold position while running in the top for places of the race.
Ecclestone criticized both teams in an interview with the Daily Telegraph.
“At this stage of the championship, I do not believe there should be any team orders. It does not matter who it is,” said Ecclestone.
While much attention has focused on Red Bull after Sebastian Vettel defied an instruction not to overtake Mark Webber, Ecclestone targeted his criticism at Mercedes as well. Team principal Ross Brawn repeatedly ordered Nico Rosberg not to pass Lewis Hamilton.
“I was disappointed that Mercedes didn’t let Rosberg go past,” said Ecclestone. “I thought that was a stupid decision. I think Rosberg could have chased the two Red Bulls down a little more. That decision wasn’t sensible.”
Meanwhile Red Bull responded to criticism of their tactics and Vettel’s response to them by issuing a statement:
“Following Sunday’s race in Malaysia, there is obviously a lot of opinion and comment. As advised on Sunday, this situation will be dealt with internally.
“It’s worth noting that this is not an entirely new situation for us. At Infiniti Red Bull Racing, we have two drivers who both want to win races and championships and this has been the case since Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel started driving together in 2009.
“Together, the driver pairing of Mark and Sebastian has achieved 35 wins, 80 podiums, 13 one-two finishes and six FIA Formula One world championships. This successful period includes some spells of intense on-track rivalry between our drivers.
“Each incident has been managed in our own way behind closed doors and this will be no different.”
