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Whiting: Vettel apology enough after "unfortunate" comments
Formula 1 race director Charlie Whiting says Sebastian Vettel's apology was enough to move on after the German's controversial comments during the Mexican Grand Prix.
Pablo Elizalde
Edited: Nov 10, 2016, 2:26 PM
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A frustrated Vettel delivered several angry messages on the radio during the race after Max Verstappen did not give up his position in their fight for a podium place.
One of the messages was directed at Whiting.
"You know what? Here is the message for Charlie: f*** off! Honestly, f*** off," Vettel said.
The German sent letters of apology to Whiting and the FIA and was spared of further action as a result.
Whiting, who joined the drivers' press conference at Interlagos on Thursday, insisted he felt Vettel's apology was enough.
"It is not the first time bad language has been used, of course," said Whiting.
"The fact that it was directed at me was unfortunate, and I think there were a number of mitigating circumstances that led up to Sebastian's obvious frustration.
"But the fact that he sought me out very shortly after the race to apologise for me that was enough, and I am prepared to forget and move on. And that is really what we should do.
"Things happens in the heat of the moment, and I think you've seen what the FIA's position on this is and I personally feel that is enough."
Vettel admitted he regretted making the comments, but said he was also moving on.
"It has been said. I have no problem," Vettel added. "I am sorry for what I said, when you are racing and fighting, I think you can understand why I wasn't so happy at that point.
"For sure I regret what I said, certainly didn't mean it. It was a very clear thing for me to look for Charlie right after. I am happy that Charlie accepted the apology and happy to move on."
Additional reporting by Jonathan Noble
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