The FIA has decided not to punish Sebastian Vettel for his radio outbursts at the Mexican Grand Prix.
The governing body launched a probe after the four-time world champion repeatedly used foul language aimed at Max Verstappen and, incredibly, race director Charlie Whiting in the closing laps of the race in Mexico City.
Vettel has become known for his explosive radio messages, usually regarding blue flags or traffic in practice sessions, however, his rant on Sunday was certainly his most outrageous.
It stemmed from Verstappen locking up as the German looked to attack the Red Bull driver into Turn 1. The Dutchman ran across the grass and stayed ahead of the Ferrari.
It was questionable as to whether Verstappen had maintained his position by shortcutting the circuit, an act clearly against the rules, however, Vettel was adamant that was the case.
The race stewards took their time in deciding whether to investigate the incident, but, in the meantime, Verstappen backed off a little allowing his teammate Daniel Ricciardo to catch the batting duo.
Sebastian would then strongly defend a move made by Ricciardo into Turn 4, actions the stewards later deemed against the rules and penalised him for.
Just after the chequered flag, the stewards would also penalise Verstappen for the Turn 1 incident, promoting Vettel to the podium, but his sweary calls would come before that decision was made.
The FIA decided to investigate whether further action needed to be taken against Vettel for his comments, but, in a statement, claimed he had ‘apologised profusely’ for his actions.
“Immediately following this incident, Sebastian Vettel spontaneously sought out Charlie Whiting to express his regrets for his behaviour in person,” it read.
“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.”
Vettel also vowed to send a similar apologetic letter to Verstappen and said it ‘would never occur again’.
As a result, the FIA has decided to ultimately let Vettel off for his radio rant because of his ‘sincere apology and sincere commitment’ but reiterated this decision was only made on an ‘exceptional basis’.
The governing body also used the incident to affirm its position on such behaviour in all forms of motorsport.
“The FIA will always condemn the use of offensive language in motorsport – especially when directed at officials and/or fellow participants.
“We expect 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,” the statement ended.
Many saw Vettel’s actions as a chance to set an example not just to F1 and other racing drivers in general, but also across sport in general as efforts have been made, particularly in football, to stamp out abuse towards officials.
So to see the German’s foul-mouthed rant go unpunished will disappoint them.
However, it also points at a growing disenchantment with the FIA and race stewards over how it applies its rules both by the letter of the law and then the consistency of their application.
This means that all sides need to learn from the events of Mexico and improve going forward.
