I'm not a bad boy, insists Vettel

Sebastian Vettel, who set the pace in yesterday's free practice ahead of the Italian Grand Prix clocking the fastest time, dismissed suggestions he has become a Formula One bad boy, although admits he is going through a rough patch.

Vettel's clean, baby-faced image has faded this season, in particular as the pressure has grown.

At various stages Vettel has delivered numerous gestures and been embroiled in a number of incidents that has altered the general perception of his character.

Asked as to his feelings he is now being portrayed as a bad boy, Vettel replied: "There are lots of things that get written and said.

"It is something you need to learn from, to deal with.

"Two or three years back I didn't know what I might go through one day, and this is probably one of the stages when it is not the easiest time.

"But I have never really cared for what people think and say. I have always tried to look after myself.

"Obviously when you are the focus a lot of people care and you get good and bad comments for what you are doing."

Ideally Vettel should be the driver in control of the championship after starting from pole in seven of the 13 races.

But only once has he converted that position into a victory, and in conjunction with his mistakes he trails championship leader Lewis Hamilton by 31 points.

Vettel, though, concedes to being "happy with my performance," but pertinently adding: "Obviously, we could have scored more points here or there."