Esteban Gutierrez gives his side of the blue flag debate

Esteban Gutierrez is adamant that he did no wrong in Singapore after being roundly criticised by Mercedes boss Toto Wolff who accused the Mexican of interfering with the leaders during the race.

Wolff charged that Gutierrez was “cruising around” while blue flags waved during the thrilling climax of the race at Marina Bay, with Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo chasiung down race leader (and eventual winner) Nico Rosberg in the Mercedes.

But the Sauber driver is adamant he had the right to maximise the opportunity that cam his way during the blue flag moments, as he too was involved in his own battle for position at that stage of the race.

Gutierrez told media in Sepang, “I’m going to reply very simple. The same way that Toto is trying to lose the list of possible blue flag drivers, and trying to put pressure on the FIA to be stricter on that and to lose less time, in the same way, me as a driver getting the blue flag, I’m trying to lose the least time possible within the rules and without affecting anyone. So the same thing that he is doing I am doing it as well.”

“I think it was spot on [in Singapore]. I think I didn’t affect anyone, I didn’t lose time myself and I finished in front of Felipe [Massa], so that was the target I was pushing like you have no idea the whole race.

“Obviously, when you get a blue flag you want to lose the least time possible. I know that Toto said that I was cruising around, so obviously he hasn’t driven a Formula One car, because it wasn’t the case.”

However Gutierrez admitted he over stepped the mark during the Hungarian Grand Prix where he baulked Lewis Hamilton who was trying to lap him. The World Champion ‘flipped the bird’ at the Mexican when he eventually overtook.

“In Budapest I went a bit too far, and I know where the limit is, so I’m playing with the line. Obviously every team principal wants their driver to be as quick as possible, so that’s what I will do and I want it for myself as well because I was fighting for a position.”

“Whether they compare me with other drivers I don’t really care, because I’m focusing on my own race and trying to do my own thing.”

As for his reputation, Gutierrez said, “I don’t see it as a danger [to my reputation] I see it as a positive because it’s more publicity, I have to thank them for the publicity they give me.”

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