Sebastian Vettel did not suffer an exhaust problem according to the Red Bull team, but rather an engine problem.
Vettel suffered a problem on lap 34 which looked to be an exhaust problem – leading to the Red Bull losing power, that resulted in Vettel dropping three places into fourth.
Fernando Alonso passed Vettel on lap 35 to take the lead, Alonso was followed by Massa, and finally Hamilton, before the sick RB6 steadily crawled to the finish.
The Red Bull team however later confirmed the engine was the cause of the power loss, a stark reminder to 2009 which saw the team suffer reliability problems in part caused by the Renault engine.
If the problem is serious, Vettel will have to use a new engine in Australia, the second of his allocated eight for the entire season.
