Sebastian Vettel went from burning rage to jubilation at the end of this afternoon's Mexican GP, but the German's third place finish may be in jeopardy.
Vettel was promoted to third from fourth as a result of Max Verstappen incurring a 5 second penalty for straight-lining Turn 1 when the Dutchman attempted to defend his position from the Ferrari driver three laps from the checkered flag.
Following the move, an incendiary Vettel vented his anger over the radio as he expected the Red Bull driver to concede his third place to the German.
To no avail unfortunately, leaving Vettel barking out a series of colorful words about his rival.
As his pitwall crew attempted to wind down their driver's ire, saying the case was in the hands of the race director, Vettel's reacted with another expletive choice of words destined to Charlie Whiting.
"You have to understand, the adrenaline was pumping," later explained Vettel.
" I put him [Verstappen] under pressure and he left the track and didn’t move, so you can understand in a way.
"It was clear he had to be moved back, he was told over radio and ignored it, so you can understand my adrenaline was pumping, I was angry and when Maurizio [Arrivabene] came over the radio I calmed down."
Vettel's overbearing reaction could land him in hot water with the FIA for bringing the sport into disrepute.
"When you are in the car, it is very emotional, I was full of adrenaline, because it is not right what Max did. They were looking at it for three laps and I was upset."
As a result of being held up by Verstappen in the closing stages of the race, Vettel fell into the clutches of Daniel Ricciardo.
And Vettel's defending over the Red Bull driver on the penultimate lap, when the two made contact at Turn 2, may now also backfire on the German as the move is under investigation by the stewards.
"Obviously, I was fighting very hard and supposed to give him just enough room which I think he had. I know Daniel in these situations, sometimes he's optimistic going for a gap.
"I knew that he would go for it whatever the cost. I tried to defend and in the end we made contact which is never ideal."
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