Ferrari a little defensive in Austin

Max Verstappen in EL1 then Daniel Ricciardo in EL2 showed themselves to be the closest adversaries of the Mercedes yesterday during the first day of the United States Grand Prix. A new advantage taken by Red Bull on Scuderia Ferrari but which does not yet seem to worry the drivers of Maranello.

However, Friday's sessions did not go off without a hitch for Sebastian Vettel, which notably lost an aerodynamic element when it passed a little too pronounced on a kerb. The four-time world champion admits to having had a difficult day.

“We had some problems with a wing breaking, so we lost a bit of track time, which was a bit damaging for the afternoon because we couldn't rebalance the car, comments the German.

We were a little defensive today and I'm not entirely satisfied with the balance of the car yet: it's a little too nervous, but I think tomorrow we can improve that. »

Vettel recalls, however, that the fight against Red Bull remains open and that his SF16-H should return to a level of performance more in line with his expectations. “Today the Red Bulls were very fast, there's no doubt about that, but I think we still have a chance.

It was only Friday. You never know what other people are doing, we were focused on ourselves, but we didn't have the best day. It is certain that it will be very close with them and it will be difficult to display the same speed that they showed on Friday, but I think the Ferrari you saw today is not the Ferrari you will see tomorrow. »