Speed vows not to change attitude

Speed was hauled in front of the race stewards after overtaking Coulthard under yellow flags while they fought for position at Albert Park. During the meeting, however, Speed was reported to have told Coulthard to 'fuck off' - landing himself a $5,000 fine.

Although he lost his eighth placed finish in Melbourne for the yellow flag infringement, the swearing episode grabbed far more attention down the pitlane.

But, speaking at a press conference in America this week, Speed has made it clear that the episode will not make him change his ways - and he is adamant that he needs to stick up for himself if he is going to make a success of his time in F1.

"I'm the American out there," Speed said. "My mom taught me not to get into fights, but I've got to stand up. I won't take shit from no one.

"People try to take advantage of you. But it's very important that you don't let them. You've got to speak up."