Vettel reflects on 'bring back the f*****g V12!' comment

Sebastian Vettel has further explained his “bring back the f*****g V12!” comment which was heard over team radio following his retirement in the Russian Grand Prix.

Frustrations were already at boiling point for the German as he had, only a few minutes previously, given up his P1 position to team-mate Charles Leclerc at the orders of Ferrari. Then, to tip him over the edge, he was forced to retire after a kinetics problem with his engine.

After jumping out of the car, he said “bring back the f*****g V12!” with reference to the previous incarnation of the Formula 1 engine which took him to four world championships.

He admits the comment was borne out of frustration, but insists it still remains his opinion.

"There's no series like Formula 1 with V12s, otherwise I would consider!” he responded when asked if the retirement made him consider his future with F1 if the current engines remained.

"But, no, I mean, obviously there's no option.

"These power units are very complex.

"I think from an engineering point of view, very fascinating, but obviously I have my stand on it, and I don't think it comes with a great upside for us racing, and people watching.

"In that moment obviously it was very bitter, because up to that point I thought I drove very well, and it was looking like a good afternoon.

"Then obviously the first reaction when the car sort of breaks down is always not the happiest one."

Vettel claimed his first victory of the season in Singapore in the previous race before retiring in Sochi. He remains fifth in the drivers’ championship.

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