Vettel has 'no more answers' after disappointing qualifying

There is something fundamentally sad about seeing a champion of the caliber of Sebastian Vettel struggling like a lion and dragging its misery outside the Top 10. 

Slowed down by an engine failure in EL2 on Friday, the driver Ferrari was struggling again in qualifying where he failed to secure a place in Q3, even though he switched to the Soft tires in Q2. 

Vettel concludes the intermediate qualifying segment 4 tenths behind his teammate Charles Leclerc, who will ultimately finish 8th on the grid. 

« I have tried everything, breathed Vettel after the session. We've tried a lot of things on the car since last week but it doesn't make much difference. We're stuck. We will try to put everything back together for the race. It's the only thing we can do. 

The feeling behind the wheel is very different compared to usual. I don't know what to tell you. I no longer have an answer ».

Vettel, who will leave Ferrari at the end of the season and whose future is still unclear, added that he always strives to be positive and see the bright side of things. 

« At least I was happy with my performance, he said with a wry smile. I have done much more messy laps in my career, which nevertheless allowed me to start higher on the grid ». 

Small consolation, Vettel has already nibbled a place thanks to the 3 place penalty imposed on Esteban Ocon, initially 11th on the grid, and he will be able to choose his tires at the start. He is reduced to that.