Schumacher calls for SC clarification

The German was running in third position after rivals had pitted during the safety car period, but when he completed his pitstop he was forced to wait at the end of the pitlane as the red light was on.

That ruined Schumacher's chances of a decent result, as he rejoined the race at the bottom of the field.

He finished in 16th position, his worst ever race finish in 259 grands prix.

The Mercedes driver said the red light had destroyed his race and reckons the light should have been green.

"What a race. We would like to have clarification about the safety car situation as the red light on the exit from my first pitstop destroyed a race which otherwise would have offered us very good possibilities," said Schumacher.

"Our point of view is that as the safety car had passed the pits without having the cars lined up behind it, there should not have been a red light. There was a green light for a moment and then suddenly it went red again. We believe that this was not correct.

"Our strategy was right in that context as we took the opportunity which could have given us a finish even close to the podium."