Daniil Kvyat took responsibility for the first lap incidents with Sebastian Vettel after twice hitting the Ferrari driver from behind and pushing the German into the barriers at turn three.
The Russian Red Bull Racing driver confessed to misjudging the first braking point at the second corner that caused the first collision, and then again hit the Ferrari driver as they ran around the long turn three after seemingly miscalculating Vettel’s pace around the bend.
Kvyat apologised for the error that not only compromised his race and ended Vettel’s race but also damaged the sister car of Daniel Ricciardo, with the Russian saying it was the messiest opening lap of his career.
“There was a lot going on at the start and I didn’t expect to slow down as much, I locked the rear wheels and the car was a bit out of control which caused the contact with Sebastian,” said Kvyat.
“On Turn 3, I couldn’t see what was happening ahead, Sebastian seemed to slow down and unfortunately I didn’t have time to react and this caused the second contact.
“I’m sorry for Sebastian and also to the team as we gave away a lot of points today from both my side and Daniel’s. It doesn’t feel great, this is probably the messiest first lap of my career.”
