Vettel escapes disciplinary action for his comments during the race

This is the end of a controversy for Sebastian Vettel. After the release of the radio communications between the driver and his Ferrari team during the Mexican Grand Prix, he was under the threat of specific sanctions for abusive remarks directed at race director Charlie Whiting and his main rival for 3rd place, Max Verstappen. Let’s recall that the German had violently criticized Whiting over the radio for what he assumed was the official’s passivity regarding the Red Bull driver’s short-cutting of the first chicane on the 68th lap of the race.

In the decision of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), it acknowledges the “sincere apologies” of the four-time world champion addressed to both the FIA president, Jean Todt, Charlie Whiting, and Max Verstappen:

« Immediately after the incident, Sebastian Vettel spontaneously went to meet Charlie Whiting to personally express his regrets for his behavior […] He then, once again on his own initiative, sent a letter to FIA President Jean Todt and Charlie Whiting, in which he deeply apologized for his actions »

In its statement, the FIA adds that Vettel’s apologies allow him to escape disciplinary sanctions from the world motorsport organization: « In light of these sincere apologies, the FIA President has decided, on an exceptional basis, not to take disciplinary action against Mr. Vettel by referring the matter to the International Tribunal ».

The FIA, however, specifies in its statement the rules in force regarding respect for all stakeholders in the competition and also focuses on the image that is conveyed of the discipline: « The FIA will always condemn the use of abusive language – especially when directed at officials and/or other participants – and expects all championship participants to be respectful and aware of the example they set for the public, particularly the younger generation. ».

The organization also takes advantage of this situation to warn all participants that if similar incidents were to occur again in Formula 1, it would immediately refer the matter to its International Tribunal with the aim of imposing disciplinary sanctions. Theoretically, these could range from a simple fine to the suspension of Grand Prix privileges for the offending driver.

The FIA statement ends a saga that began with penalties imposed after the race on Max Verstappen for cutting the first chicane on lap 68, and on Sebastian Vettel for an illegal defensive maneuver against Daniel Ricciardo. It was ultimately the Australian who won the gain of 3rd place off-track.