Vettel escapes FIA punishment for abusive Mexican rant

Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel has escaped penalty for his abusive rant at the recent Mexican Grand Prix.

It has been all over the internet how Vettel yelled abuse over the team radio, but it wasn't only directed at other drivers, the four time world champion also taking a pot shot at FIA delegate Charlie Whiting and FIA President Jean Todt was said to be looking into the situation a little deeper.

Today the FIA released a statement explaining that they will not be taking the matter any further because of his sincere apology after the race. However, they warned that if it happens again, they may not be quite so understanding…

“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,” the statement read.

“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 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 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.”