Ferrari F1 team surprised by Sebastian Vettel Mexican GP penalty

Vettel was defending fourth from Daniel Ricciardo when he moved across in the Turn 4 braking zone, with the pair subsequently banging wheels and Vettel retaining the place.

The stewards investigated the incident after the race and found that Vettel made an "abnormal change of direction" that was "potentially dangerous" and handed him the time penalty as well as two points on his licence.

"I'm surprised [by the decision]," Ferrari team principal Arrivabene told Autosport.

"We gained a podium on the track and they removed it with their bureaucracy - fantastic.

"When they give a five- or 10-second penalty, you can't appeal.

"You just have to listen to what they decide."

The penalty dropped Vettel to fifth in the classification, with Ricciardo promoted to third and Verstappen fourth.

It comes after the FIA issued a clampdown on drivers moving under braking ahead of the United States Grand Prix.

As a result, Red Bull boss Christian Horner believes the stewards made the right decision.

"There has been so much debate about movement under brakes since Japan, a clear directive came out this weekend, and a clear movement was made under brakes," he said.

"If that had been prior to this weekend it would possibly have been OK, but the rules are clear.

"So we've the slightly unusual scenario where Max finished third on the road, made it as far as the green room, for Sebastian to go on the podium and take the plaudits, for Daniel to be taking the trophy home.

"But I'm glad to see the stewards have made the right decision regarding the Ricciardo/Vettel incident."