Vettel defies team orders in infamous 'Multi-21' clash with Webber

Thirteen years ago at the 2013 Malaysian Grand Prix, Sebastian Vettel ignored explicit team orders to overtake teammate Mark Webber for a controversial victory. The "Multi-21" incident became one of Formula 1's most notorious acts of insubordination, shattering the Red Bull partnership and leaving a permanent stain on Vettel's championship season.

Why it matters:

The clash exposed the raw tension beneath the surface of a championship-winning team and redefined the limits of driver rivalry. It serves as a prime case study in the conflict between individual ambition and team strategy, a dilemma that continues to resonate in modern F1 whenever team orders are issued.

The details:

• Starting from pole, Vettel lost the lead to Webber in wet conditions. Webber then controlled the race, with Red Bull issuing the "Multi 21" code—meaning car 2 (Webber) should finish ahead of car 1 (Vettel) to manage tires and fuel.
• Ignoring the order, Vettel used DRS and fresher tires to attack Webber on Lap 46, forcing his way past around the outside of Turn 4 in a wheel-to-wheel battle.
• The Icy Aftermath: In the cool-down room, a furious Webber pointedly stated, "Multi 21, Seb. Yeah…Multi 21." The podium ceremony was described by commentator Martin Brundle as "the frostiest of podiums."
• Contradictory Apologies: Post-race, Vettel offered a half-hearted apology, saying, "I am the black sheep right now… All I can say is apologies to Mark." By the next race in China, he retracted it, stating, "I don't apologise for winning."
• Roots of the Feud: Team principal Christian Horner later confirmed the move was "100%" payback for Webber squeezing Vettel dangerously against the pit wall during the 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix title decider.
• Legal Threat: In a stunning postscript, Vettel's legal team sent Red Bull a letter claiming the team order was an "unreasonable instruction" that breached his contract.

What's next:

The partnership was irreparably broken. Webber left F1 at the end of the season, and "Multi-21" entered the sport's lexicon as the ultimate example of team orders gone wrong. While Vettel won his fourth consecutive title that year, the incident permanently shaped his reputation, highlighting a win-at-all-costs mentality that overshadowed his immense talent. The saga remains a pivotal moment for discussing driver ethics, team authority, and the intense pressures within a top team.