Austrian GP: Ferrari F1 chief Arrivabene attacks 'stupid' wheelnuts

Vettel fell behind the Williams of Felipe Massa when he was delayed in the pits by a sticking wheelnut on the right-rear wheel.

Arrivabene praised the German's drive, and defended his mechanics following the pit problem.

"We had a problem with the wheelnut, and it's not the first time, so we have to make sure that it does not happen again," he said.

"It was not a problem of the mechanics, it was our fault, and we have to make sure we fix it.

"We threw away one more time a podium for a stupid piece that we need to recover, we need to fix, as soon as possible.

"It's not the first time, and for me it's not acceptable."

Vettel praised the job of his crew for dealing with the problem swiftly, allowing him to rejoin the race in fourth and fight with Massa to the chequered flag.

"Obviously there was a problem with a nut - it wasn't going on," he said.

"Then the guys did an impressive job trying to fix it and eventually they did and the wheel was tight.

"In these moments you are likely to panic a little, and you just try to sit in the car."