SUZUKA, Japan -- Sebastian Vettel admits events at the Russian Grand Prix could have been handled better after he ignored team orders to let Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc past during the race.
Although Mercedes ended up winning in Russia, Ferrari stole the headlines after a pre-race agreement between its drivers turned sour. Leclerc, who started from pole position, agreed to give Vettel, who started third, a slipstream down to the first corner to ensure Ferrari led the race on the opening lap.
The plan worked but Vettel ended up ahead of Leclerc and then refused to give the position back when he was asked to do so by the Ferrari pit wall.