Vettel backs Hamilton over yellow flags

Jul.26 (GMM) Claims 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 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. Not 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.

But 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 by SID news agency.

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

"We must establish a clear rule," the Ferrari driver insisted.