Daniil Kvyat has apologised after his double collision forced Sebastian Vettel to retire on the first lap of the Russian Grand Prix.

After making contact with the rear of the Ferrari on turn two, Kvyat went into the back of the same care heading into turn three, with Vettel crashing out as a result.

The Russian received a 10-second stop-and-go penalty as a result and finished in 15th position after a switch to the medium tyre compound behind the early safety car failed to pay dividends.

Following the Chinese Grand Prix, Kvyat was unapologetic when his attempted overtake of Vettel forced him into contact with Kimi Raikkonen, but he took a different approach this time around.

"There was a bit going on. I started to press the brake but there was not much in it and the first contact came from that," the Red Bull driver said on Sky Sports.

"The second touch I couldn't see what was going on ahead and I couldn't react.

"All the mess came from me. It doesn't feel great but sometimes this happens in F1. Usually I learn from it.

"I apologise to everyone who was involved. I think we all need to talk. It's easy to attack me and I guess everyone will and I'm OK with that."

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner claimed Vettel collided with Daniel Ricciardo as he spun out of control, wrecking their race on the opening lap.

"Our race was totally screwed at the first corner. Daniil misjudged his braking and hit the rear of Seb who in turn hit Daniel as well," he said.

"It was obviously a mistake from Daniil Kvyat. I think he knows what happened – we could have scored sound points today."