F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Leclerc admission 'settles the matter' for Vettel

Sebastian Vettel says that Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc's candid admission of responsibility in their Styrian Grand Prix clash "settles the matter" as far as the German is concerned.

An over-optimistic move by Leclerc after the start of the race at the Red Bull Ring's Turn 3 wiped out both drivers' race and an important opportunity to further gauge the SF1000's new updates.

The two drivers conferred after the disaster, with Leclerc holding himself accountable for the blunder.

"He told me he messed up. That settles the matter for me," Vettel said. "I hold no grudges.

"In the end it is bitter for both of us, because the race should have given us answers to our questions."

Vettel vowed to put the incident behind and get back to work as soon as this week in Hungary.

"We are both mature enough to move on from this incident," he said.

"It is very disappointing, but in my mindset, I am generally optimistic and at least I don’t have to wait long to be back in the car.

"Let’s hope that Hungary will be a better place for us."

Always an astute observer of Grand Prix racing's affairs, ex-F1 driver and Channel 4 commentator David Coulthard believes that Ferrari's 2020 campaign is as good as done.

"Any doubt that Ferrari are out of this World Championship battle has been confirmed this weekend," the Scot said.

"The season is going to be too short and the deficit in both wet and dry conditions is too big. All they can do now is rebuilding for next year."

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Michael Delaney

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