Ferrari not at all worried despite the delay on Mercedes

The two dominant teams of the Formula 1 for more than a year have experienced different sessions in Austria. On the Red Bull Rings, Mercedes monopolized the two best times this Friday, while Ferrari struggled to maintain No. 1 challenger status.

During the first morning session, Sebastian Vettel finished fourth, 341 thousandths from Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), before losing time (+236 thousandths) but gaining a position (3rd). “I think Mercedes had the advantage today, they appeared very fast, regardless of the conditions but I think it was a complicated Friday”, announces the German.

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It was tight at the top in Spielberg#AustrianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/G3L2AuHqQb

- Formula 1 (@ F1) 29th June 2018

This slight delay is far from discouraging him, however, as the quadruple world champion that he is. “So I think we can win?” Yes. La car has done quite well, and usually we make a good step forward between Friday and Saturday. We will see what we will be able to aim for tomorrow”, valued Sebastian Vettel, who never won the winner's cup in Austria.

The outgoing runner-up also dampened hopes of a spectacular race. “It's always important to start from pole position, but here, it's really difficult to overtake." The addition of a third DRS zone did not really convince him on this point.

Tires are also an important area when aiming to win. “ We completed a large number of laps over the two sessions, which allowed us to analyze all the tires. It's positive, we should be well prepared for tomorrow and Sunday. »

It's an engineers' world... #AustrianGP #Go Ferrari pic.twitter.com/nmz1X9T7NU

- Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) 29th June 2018

On the other side of the stand, Kimi Räikkönen was discreet. The Finn made more noise in the paddock because of rumors of replacement by Charles Leclerc next season than by its speed (6th at 937 thousandths and again 6th at 686 thousandths).

“It was a classic day. Obviously we still have work to find the right set-up tomorrow, as in all the rounds on the calendar. It's difficult to judge our pace compared to the other teams because we don't know what schedule they followed. But overall it wasn't that bad.", concludes “Iceman” laconically.