Vettel had taken pole position during Saturday’s qualifying session and after a series of first-lap incidents, the German was soon leading the field behind the safety car.

And when it came to restarting the race, the Ferrari slowed the field for as long as possible to avoid getting slip-streamed on the way down to Turn One.

However, Hamilton believes he did not do so within the rules.

But Vettel appeared more concerned with his tyre temperatures and the sluggish safety car in front of him.

It was Hamilton who emerged victorious on the day, winning the race by virtue of Vettel’s botched attempt to take the lead in the closing stages and a late puncture for Valtteri Bottas.

However, he was still frustrated at his title rival’s behaviour in the early stages of the race.

“You are not allowed to start and stop, start and stop [at the safety car restart],” said Hamilton.

"If there was not that rule, that's what you'd do because eventually you'd catch them sleeping.”

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He added: ”In Australia he accelerated and braked and I nearly went into the back of him and [in Azerbaijan] he did it four times and I need to speak to Charlie [Whiting, race director],

because I don't understand.

"I understand he passed it to the stewards but they didn't do anything.

“But we're the leaders and it cascades down, what the first car does everyone does the same thing.

"That now sets a precedent, and it means everyone who is leading under a safety car can start-stop, start-stop.

"I need to get it rectified when I have the briefing next because clearly they don't care about it.

“I will expect it from him next time and I will try to prepare."

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