The FIA has confirmed in a statement released on Tuesday that it will not take disciplinary action against Sebastian Vettel, in the wake of Vettel’s expletive-laden rant at the conclusion of Sunday’s Mexican Grand Prix.
Vettel was frustrated with a non-call against Max Verstappen in front of him for shortcutting the track at Turns 1 and 2, although Verstappen was penalized five seconds after the race when the checkered flag fell.
Vettel, however, was later called to the stewards – not for cursing at Race Director Charlie Whiting in the moment – but for what was termed dangerous and erratic driving against Daniel Ricciardo in the brake zone at Turn 4. Vettel was later docked 10 seconds, which dropped him to fifth.
The FIA statement reads in full, below:
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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 behavior 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 apologized 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 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 its 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.
