Sensitive fans should stop watching F1 - Vettel

Sebastian Vettel has advised sensitive formula one fans to switch over to children’s programming.

Last week, the reigning world champion apologised for using the ’F’-word during his podium interview with David Coulthard recently in Abu Dhabi.

The apology followed the FIA’s letter to teams, warning that the use of foul language should not be tolerated.

"I think," German Vettel said in Austin on Thursday, "if you’re sensitive you should watch - I don’t know - some kids programme.

"You have the remote control in your hand, so you can chose.

"I think it’s a bit unnecessary to create such a big fuss but anyway, if I said some things that weren’t appropriate then I apologise but I think there’s not a lot I have to do differently to succeed in that regard," the Red Bull driver added.

Vettel’s powerful friend Bernie Ecclestone, F1’s chief executive, insisted he is also not too concerned about drivers’ language, even though Kimi Raikkonen also swore on the Abu Dhabi podium.

"The language drivers use is passive compared to what you hear on TV or in general," he told the Associated Press.