Nico Hulkenberg admits Formula One drivers can get hot under the collar whilst racing but the Force India ace says Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel “is very special in that regard”.
Growing frustration led the Ferrari star to a radio meltdown of epic proportions at last weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix, with Vettel going as far as telling FIA race director Charlie Whiting to “f**k off!”.
“It’s always the world against Seb,” Hulkenberg replied when asked on his compatriot’s infamous rant. “I’m sure Charlie is not that happy, not impressed. Of course, sometimes you go ‘what a wanker’ or ‘what an idiot’ but usually they cut it out.
“But it does happen in the heat of the race, don’t take this wrong but in the media centre or at home on the couch, everything is on the limit with the finest margins and you try hard. So if something doesn’t go right you just feel ‘Aghhh’. Seb is very special in that regard.”
Formula One’s governing body considered calling the German in front of the International Tribunal for his foul language but eventually decided against punishing Vettel in the light of his immediate apologies and the letters he sent to both Whiting and FIA president Jean Todt.
FEATURE: Foul Play or Foul Language
Scene at the 2016 Mexican Grand Prix
Mexican Grand Prix - Quotes of the week
DRIVER RATINGS: Mexican Grand Prix
15 minutes with ... Nico Rosberg
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has made it clear: Formula 1 must rediscover the…
Sergio Perez isn’t taking lightly the suggestion that his return to Formula 1 with Cadillac…
While Aston Martin’s F1 car is currently giving Fernando Alonso some massive engine vibrations and…
For a driver who has spent years bending F1 to his will, Max Verstappen suddenly…
For Carlos Sainz, what was meant to be a strong second season at Williams is…
Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso has delivered another withering verdict on Formula 1’s 2026 regulations…