Vettel urged to apologise over 'useless and specious' controversy

Sebastian Vettel is facing criticism for his remarks over the Italian Grand Prix fly-by directed to the country's president and has been urged to make an apology.

The four-time world champion was left unimpressed by the pre-race aerial display which saw the Tricolore fly past with the traditional red, white and green smoke cover the sky, before a second fly-by was accompanied by a jet plane.

Vettel has advocated a greener, more sustainable F1 in recent years and criticised F1 for giving into Italian president Sergio Mattarella's "ego", also taking aim at his age.

But Automobile Club Milano president Geronimo La Russa has condemned Vettel's words, defending Matarella who had been present to celebrate Monza's centenary celebrations.

Describing the Aston Martin's comments as 'a bad fall from style', La Russa told La Gazzetta dello Sport: "It is a controversy that offends the President of the Republic and all of us.

"We thank Mattarella for coming here to celebrate the centenary of the autodrome: [the] plane flew, for the first time, with a 25 per cent dose of bio-fuel, an important experiment also for civil aviation."

Further criticising Vettel's standpoint, La Russa added: "I have always been taught that the President of the Republic should be listened to and not commented on, especially if you are a guest of a foreign country.

"The overflight of the Frecce Tricolori are an Italian pride:

"it is regrettable that a world champion, who also won his first GP at Monza, has slipped on such a useless and specious controversy. It only remains for him to apologise to President Mattarella and to all Italians."

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

Will Miami Grand Prix be cancelled? Lightning threat poses risk to F1 race

• 1 hour ago

Max Verstappen reveals his racing limit: 'A risk I'm not willing to take'

• 1 hour ago

Donald Trump visit could cause Miami Grand Prix chaos

• 3 hours ago

F1 star claims Lando Norris interview was designed to catch McLaren champion out

• Today 16:12

'I might get shot for saying this' - F1 champion HATES racing in 2026

• Today 14:27

Silverstone offers to host additional F1 race in 2026

• Today 13:12