Sebastian Vettel has escaped punishment for his expletive-laden outburst during the closing laps of the Mexican Grand Prix after FIA president Jean Todt pardoned the four-time champion for his "offensive" behaviour.
Radio messages made by the Ferrari driver were broadcast over the world feed and although the offensive language was censored, it was clear what had been said, with Vettel telling Whiting to "f**k off" twice.
"Here’s a message to Charlie, f**k off. Honestly, f**k off," he said, after the race director failed to inform Red Bull's Max Verstappen to move over for Vettel after the pair came close to clashing during an attempted overtake, where the Dutchman cut Turn 1 in order to maintain third place.
Related: Full transcript of Vettel's Mexico radio outburst
Vettel later sought out Whiting to personally apologise and sent a letter to both Whiting and Todt, apologising for any offence caused.
Vettel could have been penalised by the governing body for bringing the sport into disrepute under the FIA Sporting Code, with sanctions ranging from fines, reprimands or even a race ban.
However in a statement issued on Tuesday, the FIA confirmed Vettel wouldn't face any sanctions, but warned a repeat offence would incur an investigation and likely a penalty.
"At the recent Mexican Grand Prix, the Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel made comments over team radio using repeated foul language directed at both the FIA Formula 1 race director Charlie Whiting and a fellow competitor which were retransmitted during the live broadcast of the event.
"Immediately following this incident, Sebastian Vettel spontaneously sought out Charlie Whiting to express his regrets for his behaviour in person.
"He then, again on his own initiative, sent letters to each of the FIA president Jean Todt and Charlie Whiting, in which he apologised profusely for his actions.
"He also indicated that he would likewise be contacting Max Verstappen and vowed that such an incident would never occur again.
"In the light of this sincere apology and strong commitment, the FIA president has decided, on an exceptional basis, not to take disciplinary action against Mr Vettel by bringing this matter before the FIA International Tribunal."
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