Hülkenberg does not understand Vettel’s remarks
The collision between Narain Karthikeyan's HRT and Sebastian Vettel's Red Bull continues to generate discussion: it's now the turn of the Force India drivers to give their opinions on this race incident and also on the German driver's subsequent behavior.
Each Formula 1 enthusiast has their own viewpoint on the collision that occurred during the 47th lap of the Malaysian Grand Prix between Sebastian Vettel, then in fourth place, and Narain Kathikeyan, then twenty-first and two laps behind. Nonetheless, the Indian driver was penalized by the sporting authorities and thus was deemed responsible for the collision that caused the puncture on the Red Bull bearing the number 1.
A decision which, while it already elicited incomprehension from the person concerned, did not fail to elicit reactions from other figures in the discipline, starting with the two drivers from the Indian team Force India, both present in Buddh, India, for a promotional event. I’d heard about it and also saw it on TV. From what I saw, it’s not Narain’s fault. So, I can’t really understand why [Vettel] said that. The double world champion, immediately after the incident, “chased” the HRT driver by giving multiple middle fingers (see the video below), before comparing his driving to that of a cucumber and calling him an idiot in front of the press.
« I think Vettel was under the influence of emotions at that moment. He lost points, he was frustrated for himself and for his team. At the end of the day, he is just human and sometimes you give in to emotion » added Hülkenberg, before Paul Di Resta gave his own opinion: « Even if I haven’t really seen the incident, I’m sure a lot of things were said in the heat of the moment. Maybe [Vettel] used the wrong words. Emotions are intense in Formula 1 and sometimes you say things you don’t really mean. That said, Narain has as much right to be on the track as someone like Vettel. Both are F1 drivers and are here to represent their teams. »
Questioned following his penalty, Karthikeyan had stated: « Sometimes, some of these guys (the top drivers, ed.), when they lap you, they treat you badly. They come and they try to push you off to get back on the racing line. For me, the conditions were really bad, the curbs were wet and unfortunately this guy was there, so I couldn’t do anything. »
Also involved in the collision with Jenson Button on the 16th lap, the Indian driver did not face the same grievances, as the McLaren driver considers himself responsible: « This collision was entirely my fault: I hit the brakes hard and locked the rear wheels. There was nothing more I could do, and I hit him. »
