Sebastian Vettel revelled in his defensive duties in the closing stages of Formula 1’s Japanese Grand Prix, having initially not expected Lewis Hamilton to stop for a second time.
Vettel committed early to a two-stop race by running a Soft/Soft/Medium strategy while leader Valtteri Bottas responded, notifying his intentions to stop twice.
Third-placed Lewis Hamilton extended his first stint by a few laps but Mercedes soon switched him to a two-stopper upon realising that tyre degradation was higher than expected.
Hamilton nonetheless stayed out for a prolonged second stint and led the race, before coming in for a final short stint on Soft tyres.
He emerged third and reeled in Vettel, but was unable to pass his fellow World Champion.
“I was surprised to be honest when they pitted,” said Vettel.
“I expected him to stay out and try the one-stop. Once I knew that, Valtteri was so far away so I knew it was not possible to catch him, so when Lewis came out I wasn’t rushing to try and open the gap.
“I was trying to keep my tyres somehow fresh to make sure that if he arrives, everything is still in good shape and I have a chance to have good corner exits and use the advantage we have down the straights which worked.
“It got a bit close once with traffic but other than that I think it was quite good.
“I was quite happy when I saw the chequered flag as I didn’t want to do another five laps like that but in the places he couldn’t pass, I just tried to take it easy to maintain the tyres.”
Vettel’s podium lifted him level on points with Max Verstappen in fourth in the championship, with Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc now only nine points further ahead.
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