Sebastian Vettel concluded that he may have ‘missed something’ when Ferrari formed a tactical ‘deal’ between their drivers before Sunday's Russian Grand Prix.
Vettel defied multiple orders to move aside for Charles Leclerc after beating his team-mate to the opening corner in Sochi.
It emerged that Ferrari had called on pole-sitter Leclerc to provide Vettel, who started from third, with a slipstream to help them beat Lewis Hamilton at the start of the race.
"Everything was respected at the start," Leclerc said. "I gave Seb the slipstream, and we knew he would overtake.
"There was no need to take a risk because we would swap back and that is why I didn't fight him. I need to speak to the team."
Vettel, though, refused to move aside for his team-mate, forcing Ferrari bosses to instead take matters into their own hands. Leclerc was called into the pits four laps earlier than Vettel so the former would move in front of his team-mates during a precious stint on fresher tyres.
Vettel indeed came out of the pits behind Leclerc but ultimately retired with an engine failure, allowing Hamilton to take advantage of the ensuing virtual safety car period by taking a free pit stop and assuming the lead.
Speaking after a frustrating afternoon in Sochi was ended prematurely, Vettel explained: "I stuck to the agreement.”
"I spoke with Charles before the race. It was quite clear. Maybe I missed something?"
