In the pitlane immediately after the race, a Brawn mechanic held aloft his head a pit-board bearing the words: "Will you marry me Fatna?"

Then, in the post-race press conference, mischievous winner Sebastian Vettel - a lover of British comedies - told champion-elect Jenson Button that he had heard a rumour on the notorious F1 grapevine about his plans for a wedding.

"You know, they write great things in the press.  Thank you for that one Seb," a red-faced Button, probably referring to correspondents in the room from British tabloids, replied.

Vettel's Red Bull teammate Mark Webber soon joined the fun, jokingly revealing that he has already received his invitation to Button's big day.

"Next question," intervened Briton Button, whose Japanese-Argentinean model girlfriend Jessica Michibata has been seen at many grands prix this season.

She said in June that "if Jenson wins the title in November we will celebrate a lot and it will be by him getting down on one knee".

Button, who will turn 30 in January, said on Sunday: "I'm not getting married this year.  I think some things need to be kept private in your life and that's one of them.  Thank you very much."