Horner believes it was a team order

Christian Horner has led the way in criticizing Ferrari after the German GP by describing the radio message given to Felipe Massa as "the most obvious team order I have ever heard".

With Massa giving up the lead to Fernando Alonso following a less-than-subtle communication from Rob Smedley, the Red Bull boss has challenged the FIA to investigate whether the sport's rules, which outlaw team orders, have been breached.

Asked if, in identical circumstances, he would have given the same instruction, Horner replied: "No. I would have let my drivers race."

Team orders have been banned since 2002 following another incident involving Ferrari. On that occasion Rubens Barrichello blatantly moved aside for Michael Schumacher who in embarrassment actually handed the top step of the podium to the Brazilian while the crowd booed.

Red Bull boss Horner wants to see a response from the stewards for this incident.

"It will be interesting to see what the stewards make of it because for me it was as clear as 2002, which is why the rule was brought in. It's wrong for the sport. The drivers should have been allowed to race. Massa did the better job. He was in the lead and the regulations are pretty clear – team orders are not allowed."