Vettel realistic: 'What we tried didn't work'

The supporters of Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) hoped to witness a rapprochement of the German in the general classification led by Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes). It is ultimately with 10 more points behind that the quadruple world champion left Singapore, unable to worry his English rival on Sunday.

Placed third on the starting grid, Sebastian Vettel nevertheless carried out an inspired maneuver on Max Verstappen after a few turns. “I got off to a really good start. I tried to pass Max on first braking but he protected the inside. So I tried to do things differently a little further. I was able to benefit from a little suction from Lewis, it worked well. »

Second, the leader of the Scuderia could start to tickle Lewis Hamilton. But, unable to keep up with the pace of the Flèche d'Argent, he decided to change his tires in advance, to benefit from one or two clear laps and ride as quickly as possible. Except that Ferrari strategists did not foresee the presence of Sergio Pérez (Racing Point Force India)!

The Mexican slowed down the number 5 wearer for a loop, the damage was done. When Max Verstappen came out of the pits, the Dutchman flew right under his nose! “The level of competition is so high that the slightest mistake benefits someone,” underlines Sebastian Vettel. Max benefited instantly. What we tried didn't work, he admits.

JHowever, I'm happy to try to be aggressive to aim for victory, continues the Germand. That was our ambition, especially on a circuit where overtaking is difficult. » With six rounds remaining, he is relegated to 40 points behind Lewis Hamilton. “Lewis explained that he didn't expect to gain 10 points on me, for our part we didn't come here expecting to lose that many.

Having our race, I think there is a justification for this accounting loss. There is still a long way to go and many points to collect (150 for all victories up to Abu Dhabi). Russia (next trip, September 28-30) should suit us well. I don't think I have the slightest circuit to fear. » To be checked in two weeks.

Find the report of the Singapore GP produced by our special correspondents in issue 2183 of AUTOhebdo, on sale Monday evening in digital version and Wednesday on newsstands.