Hockenheim, Germany - Formula One's governing body, the International Automobile Federation (FIA), fined Ferrari $100,000 after race stewards determined the Italian team breached sporting regulations during Sunday's German Grand Prix.

While leading on lap 49, Felipe Massa from Ferrari moved aside to allow teammate Fernando Alonso to take the top position. Prior to Alonso's winning pass, Massa's race engineer, Rob Smedley, told the Brazilian over the team radio that "Fernando is faster than you. Can you confirm you understood that message?"

Stewards said Ferrari contravened Article 39.1, which regulates against team orders, and Article 151 (c) of the 2010 FIA International Sporting Code, which relates to bringing the sport into disrepute.

Ferrari maintained their action did not constitute a team order.

Alonso won the German GP, while Massa finished second. It was the second 1-2 finish for Ferrari this season.

The steward's decision has been handed over to the World Motor Sport Council for its consideration, which means Ferrari possibly could face further sanctions.

"As for the Stewards' decision, given after the race, in the interests of the sport, we have decided not to go through a procedure of appealing against it. We're confident that the World Council will know how to evaluate the overall facts correctly," Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali said following the race.