Vettel: “Give Valtteri his piece”

Despite the quality of its chassis-engine assembly, Sebastian Vettel could do nothing to compete with Silver Arrows who received several significant solutions in Sochi.

The leader of the Team fails more than half a second from Bottas’ pole position, while relegating his teammate Kimi Räikkönen to almost three tenths. 

“We don’t yet have the pace to Mercedes but let's wait and see what happens during the race, confided Vettel when he got out of the car. It’s true that they are very fast this weekend. The Grand Prix is ​​long and tire management will play a key role.

The gap should have been a little smaller but we couldn't have really threatened them. I made a small mistake in the last sector but I knew I had to find almost half a second in this area so I gave it a try. I’m quite happy though.”

VETTEL: “It was important to get closure to them as possible. The car felt alright so that makes me quite positive for Sunday” #RussianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/MKBs1BngEl

— Formula 1 (@F1) September 29, 2018

Last year, Ferrari locked the front row with Vettel on pole but the Maranello riders were surprised by Bottas, who had emerged from 3rd place on the grid and took advantage of the first meters of the race to take the lead.

The first corner of the Sochi autodrome is a slight right-hand curve which is negotiated hard and effectively offers a long straight line until turn 2.

The Mercedes Finn capitalized on his excellent start to score his first Grand Prix victory.

“I was just talking about it with Valtteri, reminding him of what happened last year, added Vettel with a broad smile. It would be nice to give him back. It will depend on my departure of course. I'll see where I am as I approach the first braking. If there’s a way to sneak in front, you’ll have to jump at the chance.”