"The overriding emotion is that we scored 43 points, a maximum score, and a fantastic performance by the team and the car today and against a backdrop of tyres that we didn't think would go more than five or six laps," said Red Bull principal Christian Horner.

"We told the drivers to maintain position to the end of the race, look after the tyres. The biggest fear was running out of tyres. Sebastian took it into his own hands to (overtake)...he wanted to win that race.

"We know there is a bit of history between them...so it's one of those things and the type of thing we will sit down and talk about internally."

The German's 27th victory, from pole and equalling 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 tyres, conceded after spraying champagne in muted podium celebrations.

The cars had started on intermediate tyres following a heavy downpour in the mid-afternoon with Webber taking the lead at the second round of pitstops after starting fifth.

The two Red Bulls fought a thrilling battle with Vettel's frustration becoming increasingly apparent while Webber kept him covered defensively.

"Mark is too slow, get him out of the way," the German told the team over the radio at one point.

"I did a mistake, I'm not proud I did it," Vettel, given the cold shoulder by Webber before they went on the podium, told reporters later.

Webber made his anger evident. "In the end we got the right strategy and after the last stop, the team told me to turn the engine down," said the Australian.

"Seb made his own decisions and will have protection as usual. I turned my engine down and as we know he's a quick pedaller."