Vettel praises 'fair' Russell after close battle in US GP

Sebastian Vettel has shared some words of praise for George Russell after the pair went head-to-head during the United States Grand Prix.

Both drivers started from the back of the grid due to engine penalties and enjoyed a close battle during the race, with Vettel eventually getting past by going around the outside into Turn 16.

This isn't the first time that Vettel has raced against Russell, and the four-time World Champion admits he always likes battling with the Williams man.

"I like racing George," Vettel told select media including RacingNews365.com.

"It's not the first time this year [we have battled]. He seems to be aware of where his car is. He's always fair.

"Obviously sometimes he had the upper hand [on previous occasions], today I had the upper hand.

"That was good fun. I enjoyed that."

It was a busy race for Vettel, who worked his way through the field from 18th on the grid. In the end he finished 10th, and was pleased to score a point after utilising an effective strategy.

"Obviously it's good to take a point, so I'm happy about that," the Aston Martin driver explained.

"[I'm] happy with the strategy we chose. It helped us to have the freshest tyres at the end and [to] manage to pass the people to get into the points."

Meanwhile, Russell finished in 14th and admits that he "struggled for pace" throughout the weekend in Austin, an issue he puts down to the team's difficulties with tyre management.

"I think the downforce is really key this weekend," the Briton said. "I think [it was] one of those races where the rich got richer and the poor got poorer.

"We know where we are with downforce. We're not up there with the top guys."

On his battles during the Grand Prix, Russell said: "I was with Sebastian for a long time and with Fernando [Alonso] as well, who is always difficult to keep behind."