Former grand prix driver Ivan Capelli has hit back at Bernie Ecclestone's claim that Lewis Hamilton is a better world champion than Sebastian Vettel, and that the German's win in Malaysia has boosted ticket sales for the Italian Grand Prix.
In Malaysia last week, F1 supremo Ecclestone criticised German Vettel for living a private life in Switzerland, while Hamilton "gets out on the street and supports and promotes Formula 1".
"He [Vettel] won four titles but went to ground. He should have done the job of world champion," Ecclestone charged.
Capelli, a former driver who now heads the organising body for the Italian grand prix, has also defended Vettel's contribution to the sport.
"I do not agree with Bernie when he says that Hamilton is better for the sport," the Italian told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"Walking around with earrings or rapper medallions around your neck has no effect on me. But on Sunday I saw Vettel rejoice like a child despite already having four titles in his pocket.
"That's what brings people to the track," said Capelli. "After his victory, demand for tickets has increased significantly."
Earlier in the week ex-driver and team boss Gerhard Berger hit back at Ecclestone's claim, wondering: "Does he want his drivers to run wild on the Reeperbahn?
"On Sunday, Vettel trod on the only red carpet that matters -- as the winner of the race," the former Ferrari driver told Sport Bild.
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