Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel told FIA race director Charlie Whiting to f**k off during the closing laps of the Mexican Grand Prix after Red Bull driver Max Verstappen failed to give a position back following an off-track excursion.
The pair were fighting over third position during the closing laps, with a small lock-up at Turn 1 for Verstappen giving Vettel a chance to snatch the position, however the Dutchman took to the grass to defend his position.
Vettel, clearly angry, demanded he be let past, but Verstappen refused whilst race director Whiting informed Ferrari the matter would be investigated after the race and Vettel would need to pass on-track.
Vettel's rant in full:
Vettel: "I mean, am I the only one or are you not seeing what I’m seeing? He's just backing me off into Ricciardo [censored].”
Engineer: "OK Verstappen has to give you the position. Watch for Ricciardo behind."
Vettel: "Move, move for f**k sake."
Engineer: "He has been informed, he has to move. You have to fight within. Charlie said…"
Vettel: "What the hell are you talking about? He cut the chicane and now he’s brake-testing me."
Vettel: "I mean honestly I think I’m going to hit someone. I think I have a puncture. Rear left."
Engineer: "Tyres are fine."
Vettel: "He has to give me the position. End of the story."
Engineer: "Charlie said that… Charlie said…"
Vettel: "Yeah? Here’s a message to Charlie, f**k off. Honestly, f**k off."
Arrivabene: "Sebastian calm down. They are under investigation I know it is not fair. But calm down. Put your head down and we will talk afterwards."
Vettel: "OK, copy Maurizio."
It's unclear whether Vettel will face any sanction for his rant, but he defended himself after the race, claiming the heat of the moment led him to say some things he maybe shouldn't have.
"Well I was using a lot of sign language, using a lot of your language!" he told podium interviewer Juan Pablo Montoya.
"Probably looking back I looked like you when you got angry in the car," he added. "You have to understand the adrenaline was pumped.
"I put him under pressure which is difficult enough, our tyres were pretty old. Then obviously he left he track and didn't move, so you can understand why I was annoyed."
