More, had the race lasted longer, Vettel would have probably lost the runner-up spot also, as his teammate Mark Webber, who started the race from P18 and made 3 visits to the pits for tire changes, finished only two and a half seconds behind.
“We probably tried too hard staying on two stops,” said Vettel after the race, admitting that the best he can do is try and learn as much as he can from his experience in China.
“We made a couple of mistakes and we had some problems, but still we finished second so I am very happy for that. Congratulations to Lewis and McLaren - it shows that one race when you try something a bit different, you do mistakes. It is natural and there is someone else to beat you.”
“We learned a lot today. I am the only one on two stops here [on the podium] so surely something to look into tonight.”
Additionally, Vettel pointed out that radio problems, together with KERS-related issues, have affected his running in the latter part of the race.
“[The radio] didn't make it easier, usually you exchange info, what the tires are, other guys... I asked a lot of questions so I didn't get any answer. We had a problem with communication, we had a problem with KERS in the race, it wasn't a trouble-free race.”
Despite his win miss in China, Vettel continues to dominate the world championship this year, enjoying a 21-point lead over Lewis Hamilton in the overall classification, after 3 rounds.
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