PARIS (AFP, REUTERS) - FIA president Jean Todt decided on Tuesday not to take action against an expletive-filled rant that Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel hurled at the Mexican Grand Prix race director on Sunday, the governing body said.

Todt decided "on an exceptional basis, not to take disciplinary action" after Vettel made an apology to race director Charlie Whiting and wrote to Todt and Whiting, said a statement.

Vettel's abuse was broadcast to a worldwide television audience on Sunday with the swear words beeped out.

Some of his anger was directed at Whiting after race direction did not immediately order Red Bull's Max Verstappen to let him past when the Dutch teenager gained an advantage by exceeding the track limits while defending third place.

Vettel was promoted to third after the race, and appeared on the podium, before being demoted back to fifth for an illegal defensive move of his own against Verstappen's team mate Daniel Ricciardo.

The Australian was moved up to third.

FIA president Jean Todt had asked stewards after Sunday's race for a report into Vettel's abuse of Whiting, who is also the FIA's technical head and a highly respected figure in the paddock.

Vettel, who won his titles with Red Bull, has had a difficult year with Ferrari failing to win a race with only two of 21 remaining.