SEPANG, Malaysia – Germany’s triple Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel won a controversial Malaysian Grand Prix on Sunday after defying orders to back off and let Red Bull team-mate Mark Webber take the checkered flag ahead of him.
The German’s 27th victory, from pole and equaling the tally of triple champion Jackie Stewart in the all-time lists, was full of bad blood on an action-packed afternoon that started with a rainstorm and ended in recrimination and dark scowls on the podium.
“This is not a victory that I’m very proud of because it should have been Mark’s,” the chastened German, who took the lead after the team had asked both drivers to turn down the engine and look after the tires, conceded after spraying champagne in muted podium celebrations.
The Mercedes duo of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg finished third and fourth, crossing the line in close formation 12 seconds behind Vettel after obeying orders from their pitwall to hold station.
Unlike compatriot Vettel, Rosberg did as he was told despite telling the team repeatedly that he was quicker and should be allowed past Hamilton.
“If I’m honest I really feel Nico should be standing here,” said Hamilton after his first podium with Mercedes since he moved from McLaren. “I can’t say it’s the best feeling being up here (on the podium) but racing is racing.” – Reuters
