Hamilton unhappy with Vettel's safety car antics in Baku

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Lewis Hamilton says he will be seeking clarification from F1 race director Charlie Whiting on Sebastian Vettel's behavior behind the Safety Car in Baku.

The Mercedes driver contends that his Ferrari rival drove in a stop-and-go fashion moments before the first restart, something Hamilton insisted was against the rules.

"You are not allowed to start and stop, start and stop," said Hamilton yesterday in Baku.

"You're not allowed to fake the guy behind.

"If there was not that rule, that's what you'd do because eventually you'd catch them sleeping."

Hamilton said the Ferrari driver adopted a similar behavior at a Safety Car restart in Melbourne earlier this year.

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"In Australia he accelerated and braked and I nearly went into the back of him and (in Baku) he did it four times and I need to speak to Charlie, because I don't understand," added the reigning world champion.

"I understand he passed it to the stewards but they didn't do anything. They supposedly said everyone was doing it.

"But we're the leaders and it cascades down, what the first car does everyone does the same thing.

"That now sets a precedent, and it means everyone who is leading under a safety car can start-stop, start-stop.

"I need to get it rectified when I have the briefing next because clearly they don't care about it. And if that's the case we will see more of it. I will expect it from him next time and I will try to prepare."

Whiting commented on the proceedings after the race, and found no cause for concern.

"I think they controlled it very well but it's up to the leading driver only," said Whiting.

"Unlike other series they have an acceleration zone, a 300-metre zone where they can accelerate and I do not see any problem at all."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.