Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko says Sebastian Vettel's foul language over team radio at the Mexican Grand Prix is “unworthy of a four-time world champion”.
The Ferrari star lost his cool in the closing stages of the race when Max Verstappen did not allow him through and up to P3 after cutting through the grass at the first corner. The German went as far as telling FIA race director Charlie Whiting to “f**k off!” in a meltdown of epic proportions.
Marko, who helped bring Vettel come to the fore at Toro Rosso and then Red Bull, admits he was not impressed with his former protégé’s behaviour.
“The situation is unworthy of a four-time world champion," Marko told Sky Sports. “His choice of words certainly wasn't first class.”
The long-standing advisor added that he could not comprehend the stewards’ decision to hand Verstappen a five-second time penalty, which stripped the Dutchman off third at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
Just like Verstappen, Marko pointed to the lack of penalty at the start when Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg went through the grass as well and kept second place ahead of the Red Bull teenager.
"We support [Max]. The decision is not understandable.
“It was the same with Rosberg on Lap 1.
“They use different standards and this is not okay.”
REPORT: Hamilton keeps title hopes alive with Mexico win
Breakfast with Stefan Johansson
15 minutes with ... Nico Rosberg
Silbermann says ... Masked in Mexico
Chris Medland's 2016 Mexican Grand Prix preview
Formula 1 is gearing up for a new digital era in the United States –…
Carlos Sainz has lifted the lid on a private paddock conversation he enjoyed with Fernando…
Christian Horner has offered a revealing look back at his dramatic exit from Red Bull…
Alain Prost follows Niki Lauda by just two days on the February birthday calendar, the…
Sergio Perez’s Formula 1 comeback with Cadillac is already under the microscope – and he…
After pre-season testing in Bahrain gave F1’s drivers their first real taste of the sport’s…