As for the sponsors, do I think any less of Virgin / Brawn for what RB has said? In the grand scheme of my life I couldn't care less.
Whilst sponsorship is a key attribute of any sport, I'm always slightly bemused when companies feel that they can be slandered by the conduct of a sporting ambassador if they are expressing themselves freely, and not a directing an attack on their brand.
That's as well as maybe however sponsorships are much more complicated than simply trying to sell you products as I know you understand. If for example I had brought a potential sponsor to a race and they saw a gobby driver mouthing off in front of the press, I'd be mortified. It's about decorum as much as anything. Plus, I understand that he had corporate obligations to fulfil post race which he didn't as he hooned off in a huff.
Sponsors in F1 largely piggy-back on others reputations (RBS is a case in point), market penetration and brand values. Lose those and it's not worth your while.
However, SEAT took on JP for exactly the reasons we like him - he says it like it is...within reason. 'Out of reason' the consequences of emotional outbursts were grave.
Anyway...sorry to bleat on, I just think there are so many sides to consider and I personally think he was inaccurant, un-kind, un-sportsmanly and just childish. I thought he was better than that!
It's only a game afterall.