Verstappen thanks Vettel for accepting China apology

Max Verstappen thanked Sebastian Vettel for an understanding reaction to his apology after the Red Bull man crashed into Formula 1's championship leader at the Chinese Grand Prix. A pair of failed overtakes in Shanghai took Verstappen from a potential race win to fifth place.

Having seen an attempted pass on Lewis Hamilton leave him skirting off-track and losing track position to team-mate and ultimate race-winner Daniel Ricciardo, Verstappen once again erred when diving down the inside of Vettel, sending both into a spin.

Vettel went on to finish eighth as he faded badly after the incident.

Both drivers were seen in conversation immediately after the race, with Verstappen later revealing he had approached Vettel to apologise, which seems to have been well-received.

"It was obvious that I had to apologise to Seb so that is what I did. He was very nice about it so that was good," Verstappen said.

"I'm not there to finish fifth with the car I had at that time [in China]. I mean, maybe I wanted it too much, the victory.

"To just slow yourself down, not do anything and drive around, I'm not like that, I'm not here to fill up the field.

"I just want to be myself, you learn from it but that doesn't mean you have to drive slower, it actually means you have to drive faster but with a little bit in control. That's what I learned."

Verstappen has arguably cost himself points in all three races this season, but the Dutchman is not concerned as he sits 36 points off championship leader Vettel.

"It's also not a big drama what happened in China," he said. "The end result is not good but you also have to look at the strengths and I think the whole season already, pace wise, has been good.

"Just the results have not been there yet, but there are only three races gone, 18 more to go."