There might be times when the various sagas and 'gates' have us wondering why we bother with F1, but there are others when the sport gives us something to giggle about.

What with 'lie-gate', 'Malaysia mayhem' the 'diffuser drama' and Ron Dennis' decision to quit F1, some us have been getting a little frustrated of late, wondering whether watching this sport of ours, seemingly intent on embarrassing itself, is really worth it.

But then, little instances remind us that beneath all the spin and bull**** there are still some people within F1 who that haven't lost the plot, have their feet firmly on planet earth and retain a wicked sense of humour.

First off, during his commentary for BBC, Force India's Director of Business Affairs, Ian Phillips, delivered a fitting verdict on Ferrari's recent form during free practice, admitting that he thought the Maranello outfit had "given up racing for Lent".

Ouch!

Then, during today's FIA press conference, Red Bull team boss Chris Horner enjoyed a couple of little moments with Mercedes' Norbert Haug.

We particularly enjoyed it when Horner was asked about Sebastian Vettel's performance so far this year.

"He's been very, very impressive for somebody of such a young age," said the Englishman.

"He was desperately unlucky in Melbourne, he continued, referring to the German's clash with Robert Kubica in the final stages of the race, when Haug cut in with; "he decided to be unlucky!"

"But thankfully he told the truth..." chipped in Horner.

Ouch!

Then there was Jenson Button's disposal of Flavio Briatore, who, clearly frustrated at the diffuser saga, the loss of ING, the potential loss of Fernando Alonso and general middle-aged bitterness, yesterday suggested that Brawn's domination of the sport, as opposed to the 'old guard' winning everything, was not good for F1.

In a particularly nasty sideswipe at the World Championship leader and his Brawn teammate, Rubens Barrichello, the Italian compared Button to a "bollard" and the Brazilian as a "driver who almost retired".

Thankfully, Jenson could rely on his Bulldog spirit and a nice line in English sarcasm. "That's funny," said the championship leader, "he seems to have forgotten that he tried to employ me for this year...", before adding: "He is obviously a very angry man after the diffuser issues and is obviously very disappointed that they haven't produced a car that is as competitive as ours."

Asked for his team's response to Briatore's comments, Jenson smiled and said: "Laughing, basically."

Ouch!