Sebastian Vettel admits Ferrari simply didn't have the pace to match Mercedes in Austin after finishing second to Lewis Hamilton.
Although Vettel claimed the lead off the line and held onto it for six laps, Hamilton stuck to the rear of the Ferrari like glue until he finally made his move and reclaimed the lead, where he remained until the chequered flag.
Vettel went on to finish second with a two-stop strategy, unlike Hamilton who only stopped once, but claimed their inability to win was nothing to do with their strategy decision.
"I think at the start it was looking good," said Vettel. "Obviously we got past Lewis, but fairly quickly we realised that we couldn't go at his pace today, so well done and congratulations to him.
"Then I think we were in a bit of no man's land. It was close after the first pit-stop again, but obviously [I was] stuck again and towards the end we decided to pit again for some fresh tyres.
"It was a bit more exciting, the last couple of laps especially, but overall, not the result that we wanted.
"There was no real secret other than they were quicker than us, so I think we have to admit that today in the race we couldn't go at their pace. I don't think it's down to the strategy."
Vettel now sits 66 points adrift of Hamilton with three races left, meaning all Hamilton needs to do is score 9 points more than his rival to win the title.
Discussion about this post