Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says the incident between Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix is now a “closed chapter”, following the FIA’s meeting on Monday.
Vettel ran into the back of Hamilton’s Mercedes as the field prepared for a restart at Baku, before gesticulating, drawing level, and making side-on-side contact with his title rival.
Vettel, having erroneously believed Hamilton had brake tested him, received a 10-second stop-and-go penalty for his actions, but was summoned to the FIA on Monday for further discussions.
The FIA declined to impose further sporting sanctions on Vettel after the Ferrari driver accepted full responsibility for causing the incident.
Wolff says that the close nature of the 2017 title battle meant such a situation was “only a matter of time,” but believes it is now correct to draw a line under the incident.
“Every great Formula 1 season is marked by a great rivalry,” said Wolff.
“Last year it was our internal battle between Lewis and Nico [Rosberg] and this year it seems that the fight is on between Ferrari and Mercedes, and Lewis and Sebastian.
“As calm as it started, it was only a matter of time until the rivalry would eventually become more fierce and controversial.
“That moment happened in Baku and we saw the results of that tension on track.
“We have moved passed that moment now and it is a closed chapter.
“The hearing on Monday was between the FIA and Sebastian and it reached the conclusion we have all seen.
“Our focus since Baku has been on our own shortcomings, reviewing both the design and procedures around our headrest which cost Lewis the win two weeks ago.”
Wolff also expanded on the current battle between Mercedes and Ferrari, commenting that new Formula 1 owners Liberty Media “could hardly have asked” for a better start to the season.
“There is great respect between Mercedes and Ferrari, two iconic motor racing brands,” he said.
“Not only because of the challenging battle on track but because we are pushing for the same goal: to see Formula 1 flourish.
“The new owners could hardly have asked for a better start to this new era than this epic battle between Mercedes and Ferrari.
“Add to the mix a Red Bull team that can win as well and it makes Formula 1 into a great spectacle.”
Mercedes has not been beaten at the Red Bull Ring, venue for this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix, since the circuit re-joined the calendar in 2014.
Mercedes holds a 24-point lead over Ferrari in the Constructors' Championship.
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