A SPAT BETWEEN Mark Webber and triple world champion Sebastian Vettel erupted after the German defied team orders late on in the Malaysian Grand Prix and overtook a furious Webber.

Webber’s relationship with Vettel is said to be irreparable, yet Ecclestone blames the team for imposing strict orders, particularly so early on in the season.

The drivers were given orders to hold their positions late on in Sepang, only for Vettel to ignore the commands, conduct a risky takeover move and win the race.

“At this stage of the championship, I do not believe there should be any team orders,” Ecclestone said. “Let’s assume that these two guys are in a position to win the championship at the end of the year, then there is no way that Mark is going to help Sebastian.

“So Sebastian has to think about that. Maybe there will be a stage when he would like Mark to help him, but I don’t think Mark is going to come up front and do it. Imagine a situation where Sebastian was fighting against Alonso for the championship, and those points made a difference.

“If I was running the team I would say to Mark, ‘Look, this is the position. You can’t win the championship but Sebastian can, and it would be nice for the team if we had a world champion again’.

“But the problem is that conversation wouldn’t go down too well with Mark. He would say, ‘Well, remember what happened’.”

Vettel’s move left Webber furious at the finish and the German has received widespread criticism for his conduct.

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