Sebastian Vettel says “I did not want to be an issue” in the title fight between Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton in the final laps of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The Ferrari driver was on a different strategy and fresher tyres in the closing stages of the twilight race, which allowed him to reel in the Mercedes duo.
Meanwhile, Hamilton was lapping at a slow pace in front as the Briton needed other cars to overtake Rosberg to seal the crown. Vettel put his compatriot under pressure but the latter held on to become the 2016 world champion.
“It was tough out there, the last couple of laps I did not want to be an issue so I was trying to get close and have another go because I was thinking to pass [both Mercedes] if Lewis was going that slow in front,” the Ferrari star said.
“It was difficult because my tyres started dropping off in the end. I was a bit stuck in the beginning of the race, could not really unfold my pace so I was starting to get a bit frustrated but once I had clean air I could really unleash the pace that we had.”
Despite Vettel’s strong finish, his third place leaves Ferrari winless for the second time in three seasons after the Scuderia's 2014 dismal campaign. Still, the four-time world champion remains pleased to end the year in style.
“The whole team deserves the podium,” Vettel added. “We’ve worked so hard. We’ve had so much criticism this year, sometimes right, sometimes not justified but that’s how it goes. It’s a tough game and we are fighting really tough opponents.
“It’s been a tough year but obviously it’s nice to finish on a high. I think we’ll take that momentum into next year. There’s lot of work going on back at Maranello so a big thanks to everyone there.”
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