Vettel blasted by Rosberg and Button over 'b***s in the pool' jibe



Nico Rosberg claims fellow German driver Sebastian Vettel brings the boos on himself with his arrogant behaviour while Jenson Button poured scorn on the triple world champion’s claim he and his Red Bull team work harder than their rivals.

The double salvo comes in response to Vettel’s comments in the wake of his dominant victory in Singapore which was greeted with loud boos from crowd.

‘The car’s fantastic and it doesn’t happen by accident,’ said Vettel who has also received harsh treatment from the spectators at Silverstone, Montreal and Monza.

Not wise: Sebastian Vettel's comments about workload have angered some of his fellow competitors

‘Whilst there’s a lot of people hanging their b***s in the pool on Fridays, we’re still working very hard and pushing very hard so that we have a strong race.’

Vettel on Thursday attempted to downplay his remarks claiming his intention had not been to ‘attack’ rival teams and drivers.

But his comments have gone down like a lead balloon with both Rosberg and Button. And offering his explanation as to why Vettel is proving so unpopular with large sections of Formula One fans, Rosberg said: ‘Sebastian brings the boos on himself. He talks about my b***s that I hang in the pool and then the boos come.’

Busy: The German hinted his Red Bull team worked harder than many others

Sharing a joke: But Nico Rosberg (right) was angered by his countryman

Defending his Mercedes team, Rosberg added: ‘My guys are working hard day and night. He couldn’t know if his boys work harder. We give it full throttle. His comments are aloof and were almost his undoing qualifying (in Singapore).

‘I almost stole pole from him and if I had I would have laughed. Sebastian should think less about my b***s and more about himself. With comments like that he is running the risk of losing the respect of his fellow drivers.’

Button was also less than impressed at Vettel’s suggestion that he and his McLaren team were not matching Red Bull in terms of effort.

‘It is incorrect and wrong of him to say that,’ said Button speaking ahead of this weekend’s Korean Grand Prix. ‘We are obviously not doing a good enough job to beat Red Bull and no one is at the moment but that doesn’t mean we are not working hard. Every team is working as hard as Red Bull.’

Close: Rosberg (front right) and Vettel (front left) were involved in a battle off the line in the Singapore GP

Out of the car: Heading to South Korea, Vettel and Rosberg found different ways of getting around the track

Insisting Vettel may be left to rue such a perceived cocky approach despite being within touching distance of a fourth successive drivers’ championship, Button added: ‘The problem is that being at the front, winning races and championships comes to an end, it always does for everyone.

‘It could turn around as soon as next year, so it is unfair to every individual working in every single team for him to say they are not trying or working hard enough.’

Meanwhile, Button has expressed concerns that new weight regulations which come into force next season could see heavier drivers forced out of Formula One.

More critics: Jenson Button, pictured with girlfriend Jessica Michibata, also took offence to Vettel's remarks

The minimum weight of a car has been raised to compensate for the new engine and energy recovery systems but the belief is it will not be enough of a hike meaning driver weight has now become an even more critical issue.

The strong rumour in the paddock is that Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg has missed out on a drive at McLaren next season because he weighs in at 11st 9lbs.

And Button, who at 11st pays the penalty for being among the heaviest drivers, claimed: ‘You could have a very talented driver who could be missed for his height and weight even if he is the fittest and skinniest driver who has ever been in a racing car. If he is over the weight by five kilos that is 0.2secs-a-lap and it is the end of your career basically.’

Look out: Button believes the comments could come back to haunt the World Champion next year

Harsh: The Brit feels sorry for drivers such as Nico Hulkenberg, denied seats for weighing too much

Former McLaren and Red Bull driver David Coulthard admitted he suffered from bulimia in his early career as he struggled to keep his weight down.

And while Button feels matters have not escalated to such a dramatic extent in Formula One he thinks the time has come for the drivers’ union, the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, to voice their concerns.