Sebastian Vettel insists Ferrari had no choice but to pit him for a second time in Spain as he was going through tyres faster than his rivals.

The German lost second place at the Spanish Grand Prix when Ferrari were forced to bring him in for a second pit stop while those around him one-stopped.

Although he pitted under the Virtual Safety Car, potentially lessening his losses, Vettel was stationary for five seconds as he had to wait as Sergio Perez made his way down the pit lane.

That meant he returned to the track in fourth place.

“It was not an option to stay out,” he said.