Verstappen 'delighted not to be the only one to retire'

Max Verstappen clearly identified Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) as the driver responsible for the accident at the start of the race at the Singapore GP (see video) involving the two drivers as well as Kimi Räikkönen (Ferrari). The three drivers had to retire while they were fighting at the front. Fernando Alonso (McLaren) also dismounted after being caught in the accident.

“Sebastian tried to block me. He may not have seen Kimi on the left, but that's no excuse when you're fighting for the title, commented Max Verstappen during the race. We shouldn't take this kind of risk by blocking someone. Now, Lewis (Hamilton) leads the test and all three of us gave up. »

“I tried to take my foot off because I saw what was going to happen, but the rear tires are wider than the front tires and I couldn't maneuver anymore. I had damaged suspension and Kimi arrived in the first corner with only two wheels left. It wasn't a racing incident. We'll see what happens, but I'm glad I'm not the only one to drop out.", added Max Verstappen.

Christian Horner, Team Principal of Red Bull Racing, defended his protégé after Ferrari posted a message indicating that the Dutchman was to blame.

VER took #Kimi7 out and then he went to #Seb5 #SingaporeGP

- Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) September 17, 2017

“You can see that Seb moved aggressively to the left, Kimi was on the right and Max simply disappeared in between. He was really unlucky. Anyone who thinks Max is responsible needs to have their eyes corrected.", commented the director of the Anglo-Austrian team on Sky Sports.

The FIA ​​stewards considered that this accident was the result ofa racing incident and did not give a penalty.

Discover the analysis of the Singapore GP carried out by our special correspondents in issue 2132 of AUTOhebdo, available from Monday evening in digital version on all platforms, and from Wednesday on newsstands.