Sebastian Vettel escapes punishment for radio tirade after apology

Motorsport's world governing body said the sincere apologies issued by Vettel to both FIA president Jean Todt and F1 race director Charlie Whiting for the profanities he aired late in the Mexico City race meant he could escape punishment.

The FIA also noted Vettel will directly contact Max Verstappen to apologise to the Red Bull driver, who was the initial target of his anger.

An FIA statement read: "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.

"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."

Ferrari driver Vettel was left furious Verstappen was not forced to give up his third place after locking up into Turn 1 and cutting across the grass as they raced each other in the closing stages.

While Vettel was let off on this occasion, the FIA has made clear to all drivers it will not be so lenient in the future.

The statement added: "The FIA will always condemn the use of offensive language in motorsport - 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."

Verstappen was eventually given a time penalty that elevated Vettel to third, only for the German to receive a penalty of his own for moving under braking when racing Daniel Ricciardo - who ultimately ended up third ahead of Verstappen and Vettel.