01/09/2016
NEWS STORY
Sebastian Vettel has admitted that he was to blame for last week's first corner clash which effectively ended any hopes of a podium finish for himself, teammate Kimi Raikkonen and Max Verstappen.
Since the clash debate has raged, and while many already felt the German was to blame for the 'three-into-two won't go' incident, it was also widely felt that Verstappen didn't help the situation by attempting to go down the inside of Raikkonen following a bad start.
Furthermore, the Red Bull driver, who has said the Ferrari duo should be "ashamed" of their actions, has admitted that his subsequent move on Raikkonen were effectively 'pay back'.
"It is clear what happened," Vettel told reporters at Monza. "I thought there was Kimi on the inside but it turns out there were three cars.
"The room I gave Kimi was not for three cars," he continued. "Max was out of the fight but then he thought he was not. I cannot see much in the mirrors. I could see Kimi was there and I was slightly ahead.
"If I had to do it again of course I give a bit more room and we would all make it," he added. "It was a pity for all three to be involved and not to come out of the corner being able to race for the podium because of that."
"Obviously it was an unfortunate thing," added Raikkonen. "He said sorry and I said okay, we go forward. It wasn't ideal for us all three to be involved, but that is how it goes sometimes. For sure next time we give some more room."