FIA says Ferrari produced "no new element" in Mexico penalty review

Vettel was briefly promoted to third following a penalty for Max Verstappen in Mexico, but lost the podium place after he was adjudged to have moved in the braking area while defending from Daniel Ricciardo.

That resulted in a 10-second penalty due to fresh directives issued ahead of October's US GP by the FIA concerning overly-aggressive defensive driving.

Ferrari called for a review of the penalty under the FIA's international sporting code ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix, claiming "a number of new elements" had come to light, and that a final verdict on this incident would have important ramifications for the future of driving standards in Formula 1.

The stewards from the Mexico City F1 race reconvened via teleconference, with Ferrari represented by head of race activities Jock Clear, while team principal Christian Horner and team manager Jonathan Wheatley cited the case for Red Bull.

Ferrari argued F1 race director Charlie Whiting had the power to instruct Verstappen to give up the alleged advantage he'd gained by going off track in front of Vettel before the Ricciardo incident, and also argued the "GPS data it presented was a new element", according to an FIA statement.

The FIA argued the rules give Whiting "absolute authority" to ask a driver to give up position, but "it does not imply an obligation to do so".

"The fact the race director did not exercise his discretion is not relevant to the decision taken," the statement added.

"In relation to the GPS data, we note this data is available to teams during the race.

"It is also available to, and referred to by, the stewards during the race."

Ferrari also conceded the GPS data did not contradict indications from telemetry and other evidence that convinced the stewards Vettel moved under braking.

"Article 14.2 of the International Sporting Code gives the stewards the sole discretion to determine if a new element exists," the statement said.

"Having received all written and verbal submissions, and carefully considered them, the stewards decide there is no new element."

In response to the verdict Ferrari expressed its intent to appeal, as is its right under the International Sporting Code, however, it may ultimately opt not to pursue such a course of action.