The FIA decides not to punish Sebastian Vettel for his conduct

The FIA has confirmed yesterday evening that Scuderia Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel will face no disciplinary action for the expletive-laden rant aimed at race director Charlie Whiting during the Mexican Grand Prix.

Vettel lashed out at FIA race director Charlie Whiting in the final laps, twice telling him to “f—- off” after Max Verstappen refused cede third position after going off track to defend. Verstappen was eventually handed a post-penalty and Vettel went to personally apologise to Whiting after the podium ceremony.

On Monday the four-time world champion also wrote to the FIA to apologise for the incident. Vettel’s sincere apologies were cited in the FIA’s decision which was released on Tuesday and it was decided that the best course of action was not to hand Vettel a reprimand, fine or race ban for the incident.

An FIA statement said the following on the matter:-

“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 any disciplinary action against Mr Vettel by bringing this matter before the FIA International Tribunal.

“The FIA will always condem 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 the opportunity to advise that, in event of any future incident similar to the one that ocured in Mexico, disciplinary action will be taken by bringing such an incident before the FIA International Tribunal to be judged.”

Sarah Jones- @jonesy_laaa