Vitaly Petrov’s Facebook page has been the subject of abuse from Fernando Alonso fans, the Renault driver admitted to Bild.
“On my Facebook page many have complained that I blocked Alonso. That’s nonsense, I’ve not done anything wrong. But Ferrari did make a tactical error.”
The bitter comments come after the Russian driver kept the Spaniard behind him for just under 40 laps, ruining Alonso’s strategy and contributing to the loss of what could possibly have been his third title.
“I kept Alonso behind me for 39 laps,” said Petrov. “No-one told me on the radio that Sebastian [Vettel] had to be World Champion; indeed, Alonso would have had to pass Rosberg as well. I just drove my own race.”
The 26-year-old explained that he knew Alonso’s title chances had ended as he pulled alongside and gestured across to the Renault driver in what Petrov perceived to be a rude manner.
“I certainly knew then that he was completely finished, but it was bad manners – I was just faster than him.”
