Sebastian Vettel Defends His Decision To Overtake Mark Webber

Reigning Formula 1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel has continued to discuss the controversial proceedings of the Malaysian Grand Prix last time out, with the German driver stating he would do the same thing again should the situation arise and that Mark Webber did not deserve the victory. Mark Webber has instead decided to move on from the topic.

During preparations for this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix around the Shanghai International Circuit, the three-time World Champion defended his decision to overtake his team-mate during the latter stages of the Malaysian Grand Prix. After leading the majority of the race, it looked certain that Mark Webber was on his way to his 10th career victory last time out. However, Sebastian Vettel had other ideas and ignored team orders and overtook Mark Webber for the lead of the race. The duo fought perilously close for the position, before Sebastian Vettel eventually stormed into the lead.

Immediately after the race it was evidently clear that the atmosphere between the Red Bull duo was excruciatingly tense, with the body language of Mark Webber speaking much louder than his words during the post-race press conference. Several weeks after the controversial conclusion to the Malaysian Grand Prix, and the main topic throughout the paddock at Shanghai is still unsurprisingly Sebastian Vettel’s decision to overtake Mark Webber. Whereas the Australian driver has decided to move on from the events at Sepang, Sebastian Vettel has continued to fan the flames by stating he would probably do the same thing again and that Mark Webber did not deserve the victory.

“I am not sure I can give you a proper answer because in the moment it might be different, but I would probably do the same.” Explained Sebastian Vettel, when asked whether he would repeat his actions again. “Had I understood the message and had I thought about it, reflected on it, thought what the team wanted to do, to leave Mark in first place and me finishing second… I think I would have thought about it and I would probably have done the same thing. He didn’t deserve it. There is quite a conflict, because on the one hand I am the kind of guy who respects team decisions and the other hand, probably Mark is not the one who deserved it at the time.”

It seems the topic surrounding Sebastian Vettel’s decision to disobey team orders will continue to circulate throughout the Formula 1 paddock for many weeks to come, despite Mark Webber’s wish to simply move on from the events. Their on-track actions will undoubtedly be scrutinized greatly throughout the remainder of the season, as they both strive for further victories for Red Bull.

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