F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone: Vettel pass furore a complete joke

Vettel took his third championship after finishing in sixth position in Brazil, but rival Ferrari said it was reviewing video footage allegedly showing the Red Bull driver passing Toro Rosso's Jean-Eric Vergne in a yellow-flag sector between Turns 3 and 4 on the fourth lap.

Since then, however, the FIA has made it clear there is no case to answer as it was clear a green flag was being waved before Vettel completed the pass.

Click here for AUTOSPORT's exclusive analysis of why Vettel's pass was legal

Ecclestone believes the situation has detracted from what was a thrilling end to the season.

"It's a shame because everything had gone so well," Ecclestone told the Telegraph. "It was a super race, a super championship. Now everyone is talking about this. The problem is that no one knows what is going on."

Ecclestone is convinced nothing will happen despite the controversy.

"Personally I think it's not really like Ferrari to do this. I think they badly wanted to win. But if you want to go back and see what Ferrari have done down the years...

"But nothing will happen. What can they do? Take civil action? Maybe. But the case is flawed before it starts. Nothing is going to happen."

The F1 boss also feels Ferrari's call for a clarification comes too late.

"In the rules and regs normally you have to protest. They [Ferrari] missed that time," said Ecclestone.

"Then there is the fact that a green flag was shown, which nobody seems to dispute.

"It's a complete joke. What they are saying in that letter is wrong. I don't think there needs to be any action taken. It's completely and utterly wrong."