Vettel rues lost points after 'stupid' Schumacher collision in Miami GP

Sebastian Vettel believes his clash with Mick Schumacher in the closing stages of Formula 1’s Miami Grand Prix was “stupid for both of us”.

Vettel was fighting with Schumacher and Alpine’s Esteban Ocon for ninth place having recovered from a pitlane start when the incident occurred at the start of Lap 54.

Schumacher and Ocon ran wide at Turn 17 allowing Vettel to move in front as they crossed the finish line to start the next lap, only for Schumacher, with the help of DRS, to make a move at the first corner.

But the manoeuvre ended in contact as Vettel, unsighted by Schumacher’s Haas on his inside, turned in, leaving both with damage and ending hopes of a points finish.

The four-time world champion retired on the spot, while Schumacher had to pit from repairs before limping home 15th.

Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Vettel, who is a close friend and mentor to Schumacher, was downbeat at seeing a second consecutive top-10 finish slip away.

“Of course, stupid for both of us. That’s what remains,” Vettel said. “I’m sorry we’re both out [of the points].

“I thought I had the corner and was in front, I didn’t expect him. Then when I saw him, it was too late. I’ll have to look at it again. But it’s bitter for both of us, of course.”

While Vettel admitted overtaking had been harder than his anticipated in the inaugural Miami GP, he felt a P8 finish had been within reach.

“It was very, very difficult to overtake. I would have thought it would have been easier,” he said.

“I was much faster at the start and then lost a bit of momentum, always felt a step too late. Of course, we benefited from the safety car. I think we could have finished at least eighth today.”

Giving his side of the incident, Schumacher refused to apportion blame