Sebastian Vettel is adamant Ferrari had the pace to finish on the podium but believes the decision to stop a lap later than rival drivers cost them.
Vettel, who qualified fourth on the grid, pit a lap after the Force India of Sergio Perez for dry tyres, a move that proved to be a deciding factor for the race result.
Despite jumping Rosberg in the pits, Vettel emerged behind the Mexican, who managed to fend off the quadruple world champion for the remainder of the Grand Prix.
It was Vettel’s first back to back points finish of the season and the German believes it was a missed opportunity.
“For sure, no doubt we were quicker than them [Force India], but they did a better job than us and somehow got passed,” he said.
“I need to have a look if he [Perez] got lucky, he went in a lap before us and that was crucial.
“Equally I think we did a good job jumping the Mercedes at the pit-stop.
“The pace was there, but the first couple of laps on the intermediates I should have made the difference getting passed Felipe [Massa].”
