Sebastian Vettel says he respects the decision of the German GP stewards after being stripped of his second-placed result.
Battling with Fernando Alonso for the lead, Vettel fell down to third place in the second round of pit stops.
The German fought back to close the gap on Jenson Button and finally made his move on the penultimate lap.
But, with all four wheels off the track when he did it, Vettel was later hit with a 20-second penalty, dropping him from second to fifth.
"It was then a question of when, rather than where, and I tried to outbrake him (Button)," explained Vettel.
"He opened the brake again and then was up the inside; I wasn't sure where he was, I couldn't see him in that moment, so decided to give enough space and went off line on the slippery paint and I was able to stay ahead and get past him.
"The only intention was not to crash and to give him enough room. I have respect for him and I didn't want to squeeze him.
"It was good to be on the podium at the home race, but I have to respect the steward's decision."
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