Sebastian Vettel has admitted over-reaction in his clash with Lewis Hamilton at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Soon after the FIA decision not to impose further penalty on Vettel for his conduct after saying sorry to the governing body in a meeting, the Ferrari driver issued a public apology over the incident.
This is the first time Vettel owns up to any wrongdoing.
The German confessed that Hamilton did not err and told the public that his actions were over the top.
In a message to fans on his website, the Ferrari driver stated, “During the restart lap, I got surprised by Lewis and ran into the back of his car. With hindsight, I don’t believe he had any bad intentions. ”
Vettel added, “In the heat of the action I then overreacted, and therefore I want to apologise to Lewis directly, as well as to all the people who were watching the race. I realise that I was not setting a good example.”
The German speedster said he had no bad intentions and issued an apology for the incident.
“I had no intention at any time to put Lewis in danger, but I understand that I caused a dangerous situation.
“Therefore, I would like to apologise to the FIA. I accept and respect the decisions that were taken at today’s meeting in Paris, as well as the penalty imposed by the Stewards in Baku.
Vettel resolved to be better after the incident.
“I love this sport and I am determined to represent it in a way that can be an example for future generations.”
The four-time champion racer volunteered to help educate young drivers at this year’s championships. The FIA has warned him of an International Tribunal hearing should there be a repeat of the aforementioned situation.
There are still nine disciplinary points on the German’s license. In the event that he gets three more points added at the Austrian GP this weekend, he will banned from the British GP this year.
