Idiot row: Sebastian Vettel to be punished for misconduct?

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Narain Karthikeyan on Wednesday made it clear that he was no longer going to talk about his altercation with Sebastian Vettel after responding strongly to the young German’s ‘idiot’ remark. But the issue seems to be far from over for the reigning world champion.

Reports emerging from Germany suggest that the Red Bull star could face the sanction of motorsport’s ruling body FIA for his outburst during last weekend’s Malaysian Grand Prix where he flashed his middle finger at the Indian driver and also called him an “idiot” after their on track collision.

The FIA has been informed about the incident, as Vettel’s acrimonious gesture may have breached the new, stricter code of conduct introduced by president Jean Todt, says a report.

Narain, meanwhile, has been getting support from various quarters. “He (Vettel) has breached the code of conduct. You sign it when youget the super license. Then you have to behave accordingly,” ex-Swiss F1 driver Marc Surer was quoted as saying.

Surer said Vettel’s punishment could range from a warning to license revocation. “Any behaviour that hurts other people or the sport is an offence. In this case I think it was quite understandable and there will be a mild punishment, if there is anything,” he added.

Former German F1 racer Hans-Joachim Stuck has no doubt that it’s a racing incident.

“If Vettel had left more space, it would not have happened. When you are overtaking, misunderstandings can occur. I think Vettel needs to learn this. With him, the curve was always upwards and now it’s not the case, and he needs to deal with that,” he added.