Bottas order didn’t show Hamilton is No. 1, Wolff insists

“It was incredible to see so many red flags, German flags, so much support around the track”, said the four-times world champion, who has yet to win a grand prix at the circuit nearest to where he grew up.

The Briton was subject to a lengthy steward’s investigation for swerving out of the pit entry lane when his team suddenly aborted a tyre change while the safety auto was out.

Asked about the instructions, a rueful Raikkonen said “it wasn’t clear”.

The four-time champion crashed off in the slippery conditions and, to make matters worse, his rival Hamilton sealed a famous victory from 14th on the grid.

“As a driver, of course, a win is what you’re looking after”, Bottas said. For me it’s something that we can work with, it doesn’t affect me what so ever. I wanted to stay collected, stay calm and the team did such a great job today.

Budapest has been a good venue for Ferrari in the past, and Raikkonen is hoping it will give the team a boost heading into the summer break. “Usually when you go fast and suddenly it’s not there, there is nothing you can do”.

“I’m sorry guys”, Vettel lamented while his auto sat beached outside Turn 12.

A Mercedes representative and Lewis Hamilton were called to testify before the stewards and handed a reprimand after the German GP.

I never get to watch the races but just got home and watching Sky. “This was up there with them”.

Vettel should have moved 21 points ahead of Hamilton at the German Grand Prix, but will instead head to Hungary 17 points behind the Briton after his dramatic retirement at Hockenheim on Sunday. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) 1hr 32min 29.845, 2.

Vettel subsequently apologized but by September the German driver had lost his way, never regaining the momentum after a huge mistake in Singapore. “We also have to be realistic that he doesn’t turn into a god with every rain”. After hitting the barriers, he punched his steering wheel in frustration.

Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff explained why they used team orders and did not allow the drivers to race for victory.

It is his second pole for a German Grand Prix and the 55th of his career.

Afterward, Vettel downplayed his woes by telling the media: “I don’t think it was a huge mistake”.

After his win some 24 hours later, he revealed that he had been spurred on by the feeling that the Hockenheim had rallied behind Vettel, who grew up just down the road from the circuit.

German driver Nico Hulkenberg was fifth for Renault, with Romain Grosjean sixth for Haas ahead of Mexican Sergio Perez and Frenchman Esteban Ocon for Force India in seventh and eighth positions.