“Seven tenths is a lot” for Ferrari drivers

A few minutes before the end of qualifying on the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne (Australia), the clan Ferrari could hope to win pole position, with a Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) to only a handful of thousandths of Sebastian Vettel. However, a few moments later, the Briton broke the track record and gained an astonishing lead over the quadruple world champion, overwhelmed by Kimi Räikkönen under the checkered flag.

The outgoing vice-champion was bittersweet at a press conference on Saturday afternoon. “I wasn't very happy with the car yesterday, but it was better today. Lewis managed to create a good gap at the end, but we are there. I hope their “party” mode won't be active tomorrow. It's always difficult to overtake on this track, but a lot can happen. »

Asked a few moments later about the gap separating him from the poleman (seven tenths), Sebastian Vettel was realistic. “I think it's partly my fault, I missed out in the last sector, approaching turn 13. For my part, it wasn't perfect, but I think it was a good session. Obviously, the gap is bigger than we expected. Seven tenths is a lot. » The two men also exchanged a few courtesies in front of journalists.

Well done guys! #Chemistry P2 and #Seb5 P3 is the final #Which result #AusGP #Go Ferrari pic.twitter.com/SMJhqAx7zU

- Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) March 24, 2018

Which does not prevent the old pilot Red Bull to hope to get closer in the race. “We have work to do, but as a general rule, on Sunday, the gaps disappear. We saw it in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 (the German had beaten Lewis Hamilton). We're betting on that. »

Sebastian Vettel does not mention the clear recovery in form of his teammate Kimi Räikkönen. The veteran of the F1 (38 years old) nevertheless beat him to it! “We didn’t really know what to expect,” explains the Finn. Everything was more or less OK, the driving sensations are not that bad. Things could be better here and there, we'll try to do a good job and see where it takes us. » “Iceman” has not lost his sense of analysis!