Vettel delighted with "intense qualifying" result

Sebastian Vettel scored his 51st pole position in the Bahrain Grand Prix qualifying session with an excellent lap time of 1:27.958, a tenth and a half faster than teammate Kimi Raikkonen. In the process, Ferrari managed their first one-two in a Bahrain qualifying session since 2006.

Soon after the qualifying session ended, Vettel commented on his achievement: "It was quite intense. I knew that in the last corner I just needed to stay away from that last kerb. Then obviously you're looking around trying to see where the others are." he said. " The car was excellent all weekend so far, so looking forward to tomorrow. If the car is responding to what you want to it, it's a pleasure. Otherwise it's a fight."

"Australia was more of a fight. We worked on the balance, we looked into it quite a lot. I think we improved it as well yesterday and today. Even though it's not easy because we do the practice sessions when the sun is up and then qualifying and the race when the sun is done."

Vettel has also commented about the teething problems he encountered in this morning's free practice: "We had some issues this morning but we overcame those. The car is responding, so I'm very pleased. Feeling good now, but tomorrow's a different story," Vettel commented. "It's a long, long race. We've seen that it's not easy to make the tyres last." he added.

Replies (2)

Login to reply
  • Raikkonen is looking good only because Vettel has had some struggles from the beginning. Even on a bad day for Sebastian beats him. Ferrari is clearly superior in Bahrain. It will be an easy 1-2 tomorrow. Let's see if the Red Bull can mix it up with Mercedes

    • + 0
    • Apr 7 2018 - 21:45
    • I think thats it. Kimi has looked strong only because Vettel hasnt been "in control" until now.

      • + 0
      • Apr 8 2018 - 08:30

AZ Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

AZAzerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

Test calendar

See full test schedule

World Championship standings 2026

Show full world champion standings

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Spain
-
Bahrain
-
Bahrain
6 - Mar 8
Australia
13 - Mar 15
China
27 - Mar 29
Japan
10 - Apr 12
Bahrain
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia
1 - May 3
United States of America
22 - May 24
Canada
5 - Jun 7
Monaco
12 - Jun 14
Spain
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
6 - Mar 8
Australia Albert Park
13 - Mar 15
27 - Mar 29
10 - Apr 12
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
1 - May 3
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
22 - May 24
5 - Jun 7
Monaco Monte Carlo
12 - Jun 14
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Team Aston Martin
  • Points 1,480
  • Podiums 56
  • Grand Prix 161
  • Country DE
  • Date of b. Jul 3 1987 (38)
  • Place of b. Heppenheim, DE
  • Weight 62 kg
  • Length 1.75 m
Show full profile

Team profile

Show full profile
show sidebar