Sebastian Vettel says that he doesn't regret trying to take the lead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix at the final restart with four laps to go.
The Ferrari driver locked up while trying to overtake race leader Valtteri Bottas going into turn 1. He ran wide and lost multiple positions, meaning he ended up finishing in fourth place.
"We are not entirely happy, because we could have won. In fact, I am very upset about losing the position at the restart.
"When the safety car pulled away, I saw a gap and I went for it, but obviously it didn’t work. So, now it’s easy for everyone to say that it was too big a risk."
But Vettel insisted that it was a risk well worth taking.
"I was driving at 330kph on the straight," he explained. "I didn’t really have many options. Lewis was on the right, while Valtteri was ahead.
"I had a chance to win and I tried. It just didn’t work. It was a quick decision, so there was a chance it wouldn’t be right.
“I’m happy I tried, I'm not happy that it didn’t work,” he said of his attempt. "But I had to try.
“I don’t think it was overly optimistic to jump on the inside. But then I was a bit trapped because I couldn’t see where I was relative to turn 1.
“Obviously I see turn 1. But we have our reference there on the right, there's the kerb on the ground, the signs on the wall.
"n the left there's hardly any reference, there's just the wall and the fence but it's all the same down to turn 1.
“Once I jumped on the inside, we were there and I locked up. I wasn't overly late, because otherwise I don't make the corner at all. But I did make it, just.
"I think I lost also because with the lock-up you're not decelerating as much as you could," he pointed out. “Other than that I think it was a strong race and that’s how it goes some times.”
Vettel did his best to get back on the podium after Bottas retired with a late puncture, but was ultimately unable to make a vital pass on Sergio Perez in the Force India.
"With the flat spot, it was a shame that I had to give the position to Sergio. Apart from that, I think it was a very good race; we had a good pace and were in control. Anyway, this is how it goes sometimes.
"Now I think we need to look ahead because we had a strong car today. We’ll see what the other races will bring, but we need to stay hungry and keep working."
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