Sebastian Vettel blames backmarker for failing to win the United States GP – Formula 1 news
Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel blames the backmarker after McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton beats him in a thrilling battle at the United States Grand Prix.
Vettel gave a tough competition to Hamilton but in the end had to finish in second place.
“I think we did everything we could today,” Vettel said. “The win was there; Lewis I think was as quick as we were, fair enough he took the only chance he had, surely it was a bit of a shame to have the backmarker in the first sector where you can't really
pass him. So then [Hamilton] got the DRS and a free pass. After that I think you could see we were able to follow him but not really get close enough, I was probably in the same boat as he was in the first part of the race.”
Vettel said that the back running HRT hindered his progress and Hamilton was already close enough, so it was easy for him to overtake him using the DRS on the back straight. He is disappointed that he could not reclaim his lead from the McLaren driver after
that. He had stated earlier that their main focus for the Austin race was to secure the constructors’ championship for the team. He is very happy that they were able to achieve that target. The team is really proud of their achievement and has enjoyed a great
weekend.
Even though Vettel could not take the glory of winning the first race on the new Circuit of the Americas, he was very excited to see such an amazing crowd of people that turned up to cheer the return of the race to America after five years. He admitted that
it was a nice feeling to drive in front of them.
While Vettel is blaming the backmarker, Hamilton says that he is very pleased that the backmarker worked in his favour this time as they have caused him problems as well in the past. He still admits that it was not easy to beat the Red Bull driver. It was
quite a challenge which their team fulfilled.
The drivers’ championship will now be decided in the last race of the season at Brazil.
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