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F1 Brazilian GP: Whiting ‘prepared to forget’ Vettel’s expletive outburst

FIA Race Director Charlie Whiting says he is willing to move on from Sebastian Vettel's startling expletive-laden tirade towards the end of the Mexican Grand Prix following the governing body's decision not to exert any penalty.

Vettel twice told Whiting to 'f*** off' over the team radio as he crossed the finish line in Mexico in reaction to Max Verstappen failing to cede his position after he missed a corner whilst defending his third place from the Ferrari.

Vettel was eventually awarded third and celebrated on the podium after Verstappen was penalised, only for the German to be given a time penalty that dropped him to fifth anyway following a separate incident involving Daniel Ricciardo.

In the days after the race the FIA released a statement explaining it would not be taking the matter further despite an expectation Vettel would receive a fine or reprimand.

Discussing the reasoning behind the decision not to impose a penalty, though Whiting admits the personal attack was 'unfortunate', he was satisfied with Vettel's apology in person directly after the race.

"I'll give you my views on what was said about me. It's not the first time bad language has been used, of course, and the fact it was directed at me was unfortunate. I think there were a number of mitigating circumstances which led up to Sebastian's obvious frustration.

"The fact he sought me out very shortly after the race to apologise... for me, that was enough and I'm prepared just to forget it and move on. I think that's really what we should do. Things happen in the heat of the moment and I think you've seen the FIA's position is and I personally feel that that's enough."

Vettel, meanwhile, expressed further regret about the incident and is pleased he is being given the chance to move on.

"I have no problem saying it again -- I'm sorry for what I said. When you are racing, you are fighting, you can understand why I wasn't so happy at that point. For sure I regret what I said. I certainly didn't mean it, it was very clear for me to look for Charlie right after, I wrote a letter as well. I'm happy Charlie accepted the apology and I'm happy to move on." 

Zdroj: crash.net