The German was tagged by another car on the first lap, causing damage to his front wing, as the field took avoiding action so as not to hit the spinning Ferrari of Felipe Massa.

Later on in the race, following the first safety car period, Sutil lost control of his car under braking for the tight turn 3 making contact with Mark Webber’s Red Bull and ending the Australian’s race.

“At the restart I lost the rear of the car under braking for Turn 3. I really don’t know why because I was not braking late and the car just snapped,” said Sutil, who was classified 20th but retired with damage to his car, after also serving a drive-through penalty for speeding in the pits.

“I hit Webber so I apologise for ending his race.u00a0“It’s a disappointing end to the race because I believe there was still a chance of a point,” he added.u00a0