VETTEL TAKES A DIG AT HAMILTON
Ferrari driver questions Mercedes star’s absence from major F1 event
SEBASTIAN Vettel stuck the knife into title rival Lewis Hamilton ahead of the British Grand Prix. In the build-up to his home race at Silverstone, Hamilton was surprisingly absent from the sport's London showcase on Wednesday.
His decision to go on a two-day break to the Greek Island of Mykonos saw his name booed by a section of fans in Trafalgar Square.
Finishes of fifth in Baku – when Vettel deliberately drove into him — and fourth in Austria last weekend have seen Hamilton fall 20 points behind the Ferrari driver in their title scrap.
But the German still received a warm welcome in the capital. Speaking ahead of Sunday's race, Vettel said Hamilton had missed a treat.
“I enjoyed it very much,” said Vettel. “I think it was something unique.
“It’s always nice to get close to the people. They seemed to be very excited and it showed there is big passion for racing in this country.
“When I won here in 2009 I was surprised because people were very fair. They stood up for me even though I was fighting against Jenson (Button).
“It’s a great place to race, a fantastic circuit and a great crowd because they’re passionate about racing.”
Hamilton was the only one of the sport's 20 drivers not in attendance in the capital. Asked if he was surprised, Vettel replied: “I don’t really care to be honest.
“It was something that we were asked to do and I said yes. There are not many times in your life that you have this opportunity.
“It turned out to be a great event for us and the people so I guess it was a win-win but everybody was free to choose, so ask him (Hamilton) why he wasn’t there.'
Victory in his rival’s backyard would see Vettel land a major blow on Hamilton, who has not been beaten here since 2013.
But the four-time world champion insisted that was not his motivation.
“This is one of the best races we have,” said Vettel.
“The only motivation to win here is that it’s the home of racing and there is a lot of history at this Grand Prix.
“You only get the trophy for a couple of seconds before they take it away from you again,” he joked. “But it’s been a long time since I’ve had that in my hands and I want to have it again.
“That's a bigger motivation than trying to hurt Lewis or Mercedes.”