Vettel and Stroll at odds over bizarre run-in - stewards take no action

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Sebastian Vettel delivered a solid drive from the back of the grid to finish just off the podium in Sepang but left a mangled Ferrari on the side of the track after a bizarre post-race run-in with Lance Stroll.

Along with the rest of the field, Vettel was cruising on his cool-off lap en route to Parc Fermé when he encountered Lance Stroll Williams as the pair rounded Turn 5.

The ensuing contact completely destroyed the Ferrari's right left corner, leaving Vettel stranded and baffled by the Canadian's maneuver.

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"I went on the outside to pick up rubber and I think Lance wasn't looking and wanted to the same but i was already there," Vettel told Sky Sports.

"It was completely unnecessary but I think he just didn't look. It's not my fault if someone just decided to pick up rubber and hit another car.

Lance Stroll, who clearly appeared to drift towards the outside of Turn 5 and into the Ferrari's path was as surprised as Vettel by the outcome of his move.

"I was driving very slowly back into the pit lane," explained the Canadian.

"I think we're gonna have to go to the stewards, it was a very strange incident and obviously the race wasn't going on so it wasn't intentional."

Indeed, the stewards investigated the incident but decided that no further action was warranted.

The unfortunate clash could lead to dire consequences however for Vettel if his car's gearbox was damaged in the process. A replacement of the component for Japan next week could lead to a painful five-spot grid penalty.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.