Lotus team chief Eric Boullier has joined the chorus of leading Formula One figures in expecting Red Bull to punish Sebastian Vettel for disobeying team orders in last month's controversial Malaysian Grand Prix.

In the build-up to next Sunday's third race of the season, the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, Boullier said he felt it was much too early in the season to impose team orders, but added that if they were imposed teams had to insist on them being obeyed.

He said: "Don't forget that the drivers are paid to work for you, as they are for the company.