By Joey Barnes, Editor-in-Chief
Sebastian Vettel became the victim of a strategic gamble by Ferrari that has led to the four-time champ crashing out of the Austrian Grand Prix.
The German, who turned 29-years-old today, started the race in ninth and made his way up to the lead after many of the frontrunners pitted.
The extended tire strategy came to an end on lap 27 when, while coming down the front straightaway, Vettel’s right rear tire blew out and sent him into the inside wall before coming back across track and to a halt near the entrance of Turn 1, bringing out the safety car.
Vettel, who came into the race third in the Formula 1 championship standings, was heard over the team radio apologizing to his team and adding that there was little more he could do.
“The rear right exploded. Nothing I could do, that’s it. [I’m] sorry guys.”
