Vettel expects a tighter hierarchy behind Mercedes and Red Bull

With only 117 laps on the clock, Sebastien Hag had completed one of the lowest total laps during the Bahrain winter testing. Nothing to worry about for the four-time German world champion, despite various technical problems, including a gearbox problem.

If he wanted to retain the positive of the situation, the former pilot Ferrari was probably hoping for more riding to acclimatize as best as possible to his new mount Aston Martin, called Honey Rider in homage to the first James Bond film, the character being played by Ursula Andress.

A few hours before returning to the track in Bahrain, Vettel nevertheless wanted to be confident. "I don't think anyone is really fully prepared for what comes next, he admitted this Friday at a press conference.

We have a lot of races and we haven't had a lot of tests, but that's how it is. I am convinced that we should be in a reasonable position. I hope we can use the track time we have.

I'm quite happy with the car. I felt comfortable from the start, despite the lack of rolling. There are still things to work on and get used to but I think time will resolve that. »

If Racing Point played spoilsport last year by regularly aiming for the leading roles, Sebastian Vettel sees Lawrence's team Stroll point behind the train taken by Mercedes et Red Bull.

“We have to be realistic,” continues the German. We had very few tries, which is the same for everyone. It's impossible to define a hierarchy but we will know more by Saturday.

You always hope for the best. The favorites are clearly defined with Mercedes and Red Bull. I imagine it will be tight behind them. »