Vettel has been booed at many races this year – including the British Grand
Prix at Silverstone in June – with many linking it to his behaviour at the
Malaysian Grand Prix when he disobeyed team orders and overtook Webber for
the victory.
Asked why he felt that was, Vettel said: “Maybe the people don’t like to see
the same driver, the same team on the podium.”
Red
Bull team principal Christian Horner was similarly phlegmatic about
Vettel’s reception, saying that the team had been expecting it.
“I think anybody racing against Ferrari at Monza in Italy is never going to be
cheered,” said Horner.
“So the reaction didn’t surprise us. If anything it fuels motivation,
certainly in Sebastian, to go out there and continue to improve.”
Horner said his team would not relax as they close in on a fourthconsecutive
Formula One world championship double.
“It was a fantastic weekend for us. We had a few issues we needed to manage
during the race,” he said.
“In terms of the team’s performance, we were very strong all weekend. There
are still 175 points available and things do change very quickly, but our
view is that we have to keep on pushing.
“We have to keep our heads down and focusing all the time. So we will be
pushing all the way to Brazil.”
Vettel’s treatment aside, the main talking point after the race was the battle
for Ferrari’s second seat next year.
Felipe Massa is desperately trying to hang on for another year but he is
facing stiff competition from Lotus driver Kimi Raikkonen, who some believe
may already have signed a deal to return to his former team.
Also thought to be in the frame is Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg, who did his
chances no harm with a stunning fifth place.
“There has been speculation and lots of talk but at some point the talking has
to stop and the decisions will be made,” the German said.