Stroll escapes penalty in Malaysia

Vettel stands by his severely damaged car

The stewards in Malaysia have decided to take no further action over the post-race coming together between Lance Stroll and Sebastian Vettel that left the Ferrari with significant damage.

The incident occurred on the slowing down lap as Vettel, who finished a fine fourth having started last on the grid, went around the outside of Stroll’s Williams at Turn 5.

Heavy contact was made, but while the Canadian’s car escaped damage, Vettel’s car was rendered undriveable with the left-rear suspension ripped off the car.

Vettel immediately pointed the finger at Stroll over team radio, saying the rookie hadn’t been looking where he was going, while Stroll intimated that the German had sideswiped him. However, after examining video evidence the stewards determined neither driver could be considered ‘wholly or predominantly to blame’.

“On the approach to Turn 5 during the slow down lap after the end of the race, Car 18 (STR) was towards the middle of the track, Car 8 (GRO) was closing from behind on the inside of Car 18 and at the same time, Car 5 (VET) overtook Car 18 on the outside and in doing so, turned in slightly towards the apex of Turn 5," read the official FIA report.

“Simultaneously Car 18 was moving slight away from the apex. This resulted in contact between the left rear tire of Car 5 and the right front tyre of Car 18."

Speaking to reporters before presenting his case to the stewards, Vettel reiterated his belief that Stroll was to blame.

“I went to the outside to pick up a bit of rubber and I think Lance wasn’t looking and wanted to do the same, but that was too late – I was there already and we had contact," said the Ferrari driver.

“That’s completely unnecessary. I think he just didn’t look and then decided to pick up some rubber."

If you watch the replay below it at around the 15-sec. mark you will see Stroll clearly changing his line, moving right and into Vettel.