Formula 1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel has said that he was certain that he was going to win the European Grand Prix before he was forced to retire from the race.

The German's race came to an end on the 33rd lap after his Red Bull car lost drive on the back straight. Vettel now sits fourth in the drivers' championships standing and was evidently angry after the race in Valencia.

"I lost drive, the engine stalled and I had to stop," Vettel told Sky Sports News.

"Why that was I don't know. We will have to see when the car is back.

"There is not much we could have done better today. It is reliability. We all work on the limit and so does the car. Sure it is a shame, but up to that point we did everything right. Perfect car, perfect pit stops, perfect race.

"I think everyone can see what would have happened, but I am standing here and they are still racing."

Fernando Alonso went on to win the race and now leads the drivers' championship.