“We’ve not seen any form of penalty from the team so Vettel can continue to do
whatever he likes,” said Watson. “He will continue to be backed by [Red Bull
chief] Helmut Marko.”
Watson went on to say that the three-time World Champion had put his integrity
on the line.
“He has put self-interest above everything else,” said the Northern Irishman.
“He’s tarnished his reputation and that’s a great shame because he’s a
brilliant racing driver.
“If you agree to do something and then do the opposite you’ve broken your
word. I don’t like that at all. I’ve tried to lead my life with certain
values in place and the way Vettel has behaved makes me think, ‘I don’t like
you.’”
Watson, who won five races in his Formula 1 career, said he had been asked if
he would move aside for a team-mate but could not give his word that he
would. “I was honest and said, ‘I can’t possibly say that I’ll do that.’
“Vettel accepted the team’s strategy, but when he was in the car he knew the
team was completely powerless to prevent him from doing what he wanted. His
attitude will have been to deal the fallout afterwards”
Watson was particularly critical of Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team
principal, and said his attempt to deal with Vettel had been “embarrassing.”
“Ross Brawn had a similar issue at Mercedes-Benz but was very clear and
authoritative,”said Watson. “Christian Horner’s been left looking rather
ineffectual to be honest.”