Ferrari team principal Maurizio Arrivabene says he is “sure” Sebastian Vettel will no longer resort to the sort of foul language he used over team radio at the Mexican Grand Prix.
The German was furious against Max Verstappen in the closing laps of the race for not yielding a position he felt was his. Vettel’s anger escalated to a point where the four-time world champion ripped FIA race director Charlie Whiting with an expletive-ridden outburst.
“He gave his excuses to Charlie and we talked together, me and Sebastian, and that’s it,” Arrivabene replied when asked whether he could condone his driver’s choice of words.
“I don’t have to tell him publicly what I’m doing with the driver. He apologised and I’m sure it is not going to happen again. By the way, you look at what happen and sometimes I am expecting a reaction more quickly from the FIA.”
The stewards did penalise third-placed Verstappen right after the chequered flag, which promoted Vettel to the podium. However, the celebrations at Ferrari were short-lived since the 29-year-old was demoted to fifth after taking a 10-second time penalty for moving under braking while defending from Daniel Ricciardo.
“We fully deserved this podium, which was taken away by bureaucracy,” Arrivabene later said in a statement. “The whole team had showed great stamina by staying united and focused in a difficult moment.
“Our strategy had made it possible to make good progress through the race and both drivers did a very good job.
“Unfortunately, we were penalised by the stewards’ unappealable decision which, in my opinion, is too harsh and somehow unfair.”
2016 Mexican Grand Prix - Driver ratings
REPORT: Hamilton keeps title hopes alive with Mexico win
Breakfast with Stefan Johansson 15 minutes with ... Nico Rosberg
Silbermann says ... Masked in Mexico
