Championship leader Sebastian Vettel has apologised for his actions at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, accepting he “overreacted” in his incident with Lewis Hamilton.
Vettel struck the rear of Hamilton’s Mercedes as the field prepared for a restart, and drew alongside his rival, gesticulated, before making side-on-side contact, having erroneously believe he had been brake tested by the Briton.
Stewards handed Vettel a 10-second stop-and-go penalty before the FIA opted to “further examine” the incident.
Vettel met with FIA representatives on Monday and apologised for his conduct, with the championship’s governing body opting to take no further action, though the German was warned against future transgressions.
Vettel issued a full apology on his official website in the wake of his meeting with the FIA, extending his regret to title rival Hamilton.
“Concerning the incidents of Baku I’d like to explain myself,” he wrote in a post addressed to 'motor-racing fans'.
“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.
“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.
"I had no intention at anytime 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.
“I love this sport and I am determined to represent it in a way that can be an example for future generations.”
Vettel's Ferrari team, which was present at the meeting through boss Maurizio Arrivabene, commented: "Scuderia Ferrari notes the driver’s apologies and his personal commitments to help the image of the sport.
"Scuderia Ferrari confirms its support to FIA’s initiatives, sharing the governing’s body values and objectives."
