SHANGHAI, Oct 4, 2007 (AFP) - Mark Webber on Thursday accused championship favourite Lewis Hamilton of unsafe driving in last Sunday's rain-lashed Japanese Grand Prix.

The Red Bull driver is still angry at missing the chance of challenging British rookie Hamilton for victory after he was knocked out of the race by Sebastien Vettel of sister team Toro Rosso.

Webber almost overtook Hamilton as the McLaren driver slowed and moved over to the right of the track while following the safety car at Fuji before being hit by an unsighted Vettel.

The Australian told a press conference ahead of this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix: "I think he Hamilton did a shit job behind the safety car.

"He spoke in the drivers' briefing about what a good job he was going to do and then he did the opposite."

Webber, who was sick in his helmet before the race after suffering food poison, added: "It was one of the lowest points of my carer. He was not doing what he should have been doing, the rhythm was not there.

"I was challenging for a win but it was taken away and not in a racing incident but behind the safety car. It's hard to swallow but you can't get it back. I have to concentrate on the next race, that's all we can control."

German driver Vettel was also critical of Hamilton, who went on to win the race.

"In the end it was my fault. I am not here to blame anybody but I think it is clear the rhythm was not there.

"We are all sitting in the same boat. At that point (of the crash) I was distracted, looking to the right.

"I was sure he (Hamilton) was retiring, he seemed to have no power any longer, but by the time I looked back I was already in Mark's rear end."