Mexico Grand Prix: Sebastian Vettel stripped of third-place finish due to penalty for Daniel Ricciardo move
Vettel was originally promoted to third after Max Verstappen was given a five-second penalty, but the German was handed a 10-second penalty to drop him behind Ricciardo and Verstappen
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Your support makes all the difference.Sebastian Vettel furiously swore at Formula One race director Charlie Whiting as the four-time champion dramatically lost his cool when he clashed with Max Verstappen at the end of the Mexican Grand Prix before being stripped of third place after receiving a penalty for a dangerous defensive move on his teammate Daniel Ricciardo.
Verstappen, 19, ran off the track at turn one as he defended third position from Vettel in the closing stages of Sunday's race.
But instead of conceding the place to Vettel when he rejoined the circuit, Verstappen, who has attracted criticism for his defensive tactics this season, stayed in front of the four-time champion.
And while using coarse language to describe Verstappen, Vettel also hit out at Whiting, the Englishman who has been the sport's race director for nearly 20 years.
"He [Verstappen] is a ****," Vettel yelled over the team radio. "Am I the only one, or are you not seeing what I'm seeing? He's just backing me off into Ricciardo.
"Move, move for f***'s sake. He cut the chicane. He has to give me the position. End of the story."
"'Charlie said that'," was the message to Vettel from the Ferrari pit wall. Vettel replied: "Yeah? Here's a message to Charlie: f*** off. Honestly, f*** off."
Vettel drew alongside Verstappen at the chequered flag, wagging his finger at the Dutchman. Verstappen was later handed a five-second penalty for the incident which promoted Vettel to third and Daniel Ricciardo to fourth.
But following a subsequent stewards' investigation, Vettel was then stripped of his podium after he was deemed of dangerous and erratic driving as he defended against Ricciardo on the penultimate lap. Vettel was given a 10-second penalty, bumping Ricciardo up to third, and Verstappen fourth.
He is shouting and l don't know how many times he is using very bad language. I think he needs to go back to school
Speaking before the verdict, Vettel said: "Obviously I was very emotional, and I have already asked to go and see Charlie.
"It is not right what Max did. But I was getting upset and the adrenalin was flowing."
Verstappen was preparing for the podium on Sunday when he was informed on his penalty.
"When I came back on track I was the same length in front so I think it's ridiculous," Verstappen told Sky Sports when quizzed about his post-race punishment.
"He [Vettel] is shouting and l don't know how many times he is using very bad language. I think he needs to go back to school.
"It's just ridiculous. I will speak to him. He is always frustrated. He is just a very frustrated guy."
PA
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