Sebastian Vettel believes Ferrari can rival Red Bull in the Monaco Grand Prix despite lapping over half a second slower than their rivals in practice today.
Asked if he thinks Ferrari will be able to take on Red Bull this weekend Vettel said: “Why not? I think we [already] had some Fridays when they were quick.” Red Bull has been quickest on the first day of practice once so far this season, in Azerbaijan.
Vettel said he has a clear idea of what Ferrari need to do to improve their car’s performance before qualifying in two days’ time.“I was pretty comfortable in the car,” he said. “I was sliding a little bit too much but as long as you know where it’s going to end up and how it’s going to slide than that’s fine.
“So now we need to get on top of the sliding and reduce it. Then I think we’ll pick up some pace and then we should be in a good position.”
Ferrari has been the subject of intense speculation in Monaco after it emerged the FIA is monitoring its battery use more closely following queries raised by rival teams.
Vettel played down the intrigue around the team’s power unit. “Obviously we heard about it,” he said. “I think it’s normal that every now and then you have something popping up and then there’s rumours.”
“This time [it’s] for us, as far as I understand. In four weeks’ time probably someone else. Ultimately I think it’s the FIA’s job to look after everyone.
“I think we trust them as much as the other teams trust them to do their job and that’s it. But for us I think it’s pretty straightforward so I think it’s more outside in terms of talk rather than really anything to discuss inside.”
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ruliemaulana (@ruliemaulana)
24th May 2018, 22:56
Maybe Seb need to encourage himself, but still it’s all great answers.
Bebana
25th May 2018, 9:07
He does not have to ecourage himself. He won so many times in Monaco already. This time he has more enemies and jealous drivers who must be helped by FIA otherwise until the end of our lives you must listen to beautiful German and Italin anthem. I think that you just want to console yourself…