The FIA is reportedly investigating the radio communications from Sebastian Vettel’s radio outburst in the Mexican Grand Prix, to decide whether or not further action should be taken. The German has formally apologized to the FIA and Charlie Whiting, but may still be reprimanded.
The radio transmissions coming from the number five Ferrari near the end of the Mexican Grand Prix were certainly not child-friendly, as he expressed his frustration about Max Verstappen cut the corner and then failed to give the position back to Vettel. In addition to calling Verstappen names, Vettel also told the Formula One race director, Charlie Whiting, to “f*** off!”
The radio conversation between Vettel and the pit wall was as follows:
Vettel: “Move! Move for ******* sake!”
Vettel: “He’s a *******, that’s what he is!”
Vettel: “I mean, am I the only one or are you not seeing what I’m seeing? He’s just backing me off into Ricciardo *******.”
Riccardo Adami (Ferrari Engineer): “Charlie said that…”
Vettel: “Yeah! You know what? Here is the message for Charlie: ******* off! Honestly, ******* off!”
The FIA recently launched an investigation into Vettel’s conduct to decide what action, if any, should be taken against the four-time World Drivers’ Champion. The FIA has cited two regulations which Vettel may be in violation of: 12.1.1.c and 12.1.1.f of the FIA International Sporting Code. Regulation 12.1.1.c prohibits “any fraudulent conduct or any act prejudicial to the interested of any competition or to the interests of motor sport generally”, while 12.1.1.f prohibits any communications that have caused “moral injury or loss” to the FIA or any of its members, including Charlie Whiting.
If the FIA determines that Vettel was breached either of these regulations and believes that his written apology is not enough, they have the option to impose a penalty. The penalty could range anywhere from a simple reprimand to a monetary fine or even a suspension. It is believed that the FIA will be strict on this situation in order to prevent this conduct in the future and set the precedent for future incidents.
More Post Race Penalties Demote Vettel In Mexico
Weekend Summary: 2016 Mexican Grand Prix
