Ferrari fined after German one-two
Ferrari have been fined $100,000 for a breach of sporting regulations following their controversial one-two finish at the German Grand Prix.
Fernando Alonso won the race at Hockenheim ahead of Ferrari team-mate Felipe Massa.
However, Massa appeared to let the Spaniard past him with 17 laps remaining following a message on his team radio.
Under Formula One rules team orders are not permitted but, just moments before the controversial incident, Massa's race engineer Rob Smedley had spoken to the Brazilian.
He said: "Fernando is faster than you. Can you confirm you understood that message?"
Alonso, Massa, team principal Stefano Domenicali and team manager Massimo Rivola were all summoned by the race stewards after the muted celebrations which followed the chequered flag.
They then concluded that Article 39.1 of the sport's rules and regulations, which bans team orders, and Article 151c, which forbids teams bringing the sport into disrepute, had both been breached.
Team orders are banned after Ferrari ordered Rubens Barrichello to let Michael Schumacher pass at the Austrian Grand Prix in 2002.
Meanwhile, the World Motor Sport Council will now decide whether a heavier punishment should be handed down.
"The case will also be referred to the FIA World Motor Sport Council for further consideration," read a brief statement.
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Rob Smedley did an amateurish job (for whatever reason) of doing what every team has either already done, or will do if the occasion arises.
The critics who want Massa punished for conforming, or criticize his lack of cajones, should consider his alternatives – essentially none, unless he favours a full-fledged 2nd driver status and a new 2011 seat. Please don’t quote Ferrari contracts – Kimi had one of those for 2010.
The real problem is a rule that cannot be enforced. Get rid of it. Nothing much will change.