Lewis Hamilton not a threat: Vettel

Sao Paulo : Sebastian Vettel says he was not worried Lewis Hamilton would catch him at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

The Ferrari driver started second on the grid at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace on Sunday.

But he quickly moved past Valtteri Bottas into pole and managed to hold out for his fifth win of the Formula One season.

Hamilton, meanwhile, ended the race in fourth having begun it from the pit-lane and adopting an alternate pit-stop stategy.

Hamilton’s leap from last threatened to put pressure on those on course for a place on the podium, including Vettel.

Vettel says he was unconcerned by the 2017 F1 champion’s dart through the chasing pack though.

“Not really,” explained Vettel after being asked if he though Hamilton would cause him a problem in Sao Paulo.

“Obviously I saw him pitting just in front of me [after running a long first stint] so he had to make up that pit stop but it’s not the first time this year we have seen a mirrored strategy has some advantages.

“It’s not very attractive if you’re starting at the front but it can be very attractive when you’re out of position which he was. So you obviously have an advantage. 

“The track ramped in the end and the supersoft was clearly the faster tyre, but overall it’s fair to say Lewis was very quick.