'World-class' driver would avoid Vettel error - Hakkinen

Two-time Formula 1 world champion Mika Hakkinen says Sebastian Vettel's error at the German Grand Prix suggests he is slightly below the level of a "world-class driver". Vettel spun out of the race as rain fell at the Hockenheimring, handing Lewis Hamilton the race win and the lead in the drivers' championship.

Vettel has never won at Hockenheim - a venue he grew up close to - and he may not get an opportunity for some time as the race has no future contract with F1 for the time being.

Although Hakkinen concedes that driving in the wet posed a challenge for the German, he suggested Vettel should be capable of better.

"Everybody makes mistakes, but Sebastian Vettel's mistake in the German Grand Prix on Sunday was a big one," Hakkinen wrote for Unibet. "I am not surprised that he felt awful.

"This was his chance to win a Grand Prix in Hockenheim for the first time, in front of his home crowd, and to extend his lead in the World Championship.

"Part of being a world-class driver is avoiding mistakes, particularly in difficult conditions.

"On the other hand, when you are leading a Grand Prix it is very often the case that you are the first person to experience the conditions and, of course, you are normally slightly faster than everyone else too.

"You are on your own, maybe receiving some advice or instructions from the team, but I believe you also have a great chance of making mistakes whenever the conditions change.

"I don't feel sorry for him, but in difficult conditions it is easy to make a mistake at the 'Sachs Kurve' corner where Sebastian crashed.

"You have to be careful to brake where the circuit is flat and to release the brake before the change in camber makes it possible to lock the wheels. When Sebastian went off you could see there was nothing he could do; the brakes were not slowing him down, he was just a passenger.

"How will he recover? I am sure he already has.

"He knows he has a quick car, a very competitive package. He has the ability, the team is highly motivated, and they just need to avoid the mistakes and get the victories they need.

"So I am sure they will arrive in Hungary ready to push for the win again."