Ecclestone’s criticism of Vettel wrong - Berger

Gerhard Berger has hit back at Bernie Ecclestone, following the F1 supremo’s criticism of Sebastian Vettel.

Before Vettel won for Ferrari on Sunday, 84-year-old Ecclestone said in Malaysia that Lewis Hamilton is a better world champion than German Vettel.

"He (Hamilton) is a good guy, he gets out on the street and supports and promotes formula one," Ecclestone said.

"I told Sebastian he should do what Lewis is doing — put himself out there. He won four titles but went to ground. He should have done the job of world champion."

Former F1 driver, winner and team boss Berger, however, insisted Vettel should not be criticised for living a low-profile and fiercely private life with his family in Switzerland.

"I don’t understand Bernie," said the great Austrian, who was Vettel’s team boss at Toro Rosso seven years ago.

"Does he wants his drivers to run wild on the Reeperbahn?" Berger, referring to the infamous red-light district of Hamburg, told Sport Bild.

"On Sunday, Vettel trod on the only red carpet that matters — as the winner of the race."