Sebastian Vettel’s title fight took another turn against him in Suzuka, with a spark plug problem causing a second retirement in three races.
For a second race in succession, Ferrari were forced to remove the engine cover from one of their cars on the grid. Following the failure to start in Malaysia for Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari were also faced with a spark plug problem for Vettel, starting on the front row alongside rival Hamilton.
Late to the national anthem due to the problem on the car, Vettel also picked up his second reprimand of the season. Although Vettel got a good start, he struggled with pace on the opening lap.
He first lost a place to Max Verstappen at the hairpin and then Esteban Ocon, before falling down the field. It didn’t take long before he was asked to retire by the team, pitting on Lap 4.
“It’s just a pity in the two races with the reliability issues.” Vettel said to Sky Sports F1 after his retirement.
“But it’s like that sometimes and of course it hurts and I’m disappointed, but now it’s important to get some rest and give my all for the last four races and see what happens.
“It’s normal you’re critical, especially if things go wrong, so it’s part of our job.
“I think I need to protect them (Ferrari). We’ve done an incredible job so far.”
The retirement leaves Vettel 59 points behind Hamilton in the championship with four races remaining.
