Sebastian Vettel backs Lewis Hamilton over yellow flags

Nico Rosberg leaves the stage behind Lewis Hamilton during a press conference for the kickoff of the new Formula 1 season in Fellbach, south-western Germany, on March 11, 2016
© AFP
Claims that Lewis Hamilton triggered the late stewards investigation into teammate Nico Rosberg's pole position have been played down.

Claims that Lewis Hamilton triggered the late stewards investigation into teammate Nico Rosberg's pole position have been played down.

Even after the reigning world champion won the Hungarian Grand Prix, it was clear that tension between the two Mercedes drivers remained.

"Thank you very much," Rosberg said in the FIA press conference, patting Hamilton on the back sarcastically. "Thank you for making that statement. Now I'm going to put my response."

Hamilton had railed against Rosberg not being penalised for only 'lifting' on his fast lap through a yellow flag zone, setting a fastest sector in the process and securing pole.

Reports have suggested that before the stewards decided to investigate the matter, Hamilton personally visited race control.

Auto Motor und Sport reports that the Briton did not even mention Rosberg's name, and only wanted clarification on how yellow flag infractions will be policed in the future.

Fellow world champion Sebastian Vettel backed Hamilton, arguing that simply 'lifting' when stricken cars and potentially marshals are on the track is not enough.

"We are role models," he is quoted as saying by SID news agency.

"Next week at a go-kart race somewhere, the kids will probably think that because it's okay in Formula 1, they don't need to back off either.

"We must establish a clear rule."

Hamilton won Sunday's race to overtake Rosberg in the standings.

Toto Wolff the Mercedes GP Executive Director looks on from the pitwall during day four of Formula One Winter Testing at the Circuito de Jerez on January 31, 2014
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