Lotus team chief Eric Boullier believes that Red Bull should punish Sebastian Vettel after the reigning world champion disobeyed team orders during the Malaysian Grand Prix last month.

The German caused controversy on his way to victory in Sepang after neglecting team orders and proceeding to attack and overtake his race-leading teammate Mark Webber in order to gain the win.

While he believes that it was too early in the season to impose team orders, Boullier feels Vettel should be penalised for his actions.

"Don't forget that the drivers are paid to work for you, as they are for the company," Boullier told Autosport. "I don't see any people in the world who could disobey their company and not be sanctioned - or at least give clarification as to why they've disobeyed.

"It happens because of the adrenaline and excitement of winning a race, but I think in Formula 1 it should not happen.

"Firstly, we should not have team orders so early in the season; not while the championship is at such an early stage. When it happens you need to fix it and fix it quickly."

The Formula 1 season resumes with the Chinese Grand Prix this Sunday.