Vettel: Mercedes appear to be in a 'league of their own'

Sebastian Vettel admits that Mercedes look to be in a "league of their own' following the opening day of practice from Melbourne.

The Silver Arrows ended second practice eight-tenths ahead of Red Bull, who was its closest challengers. 

Vettel concluded proceedings a little further down on pace-setter Lewis Hamilton, and says that the reigning world champions once again look strong - putting into question the claims that were made in Barcelona about Mercedes' lack of competitiveness.

“I think they [Mercedes] looked really quick,” Vettel said. “I don’t know if it was just us struggling a bit, but as a matter of fact they were in a league of their own. 

"What was all that bullshit about with them being out of shape and so on? I didn’t understand that to be honest. So it was a bit of a surprise. 

“Maybe everyone else was struggling and then we can turn it around, but they looked very strong and much stronger than they claimed before the weekend.”

Vettel highlighted that he lost confidence in the handling of the SF90 in the afternoon session, and affirmed that Ferrari is working hard to sort out the problems before Saturday's action kicks off.

"It was a tricky day for us,” Vettel said. “I think for us we are not where we would like to be - not in terms of lap time but in terms of car feel and handling. 

"We didn’t really get into the groove and rhythm and that’s quite important around here.

“I had this more than once, but I can feel that I have the car under me that I had in testing but it is not doing the same thing here and there and that is why I am lacking confidence. 

"But we are all here working flat out to try and to try and understand what happened in the session, the things that we tried and how they changed it.

“So I don’t think it was an awful session. I think here and there bits were good so it’s about how we go from there and the things we can build on.”

Replies (2)

Login to reply
  • It looked concerning, to say the least. But as for RBR... I've fallen flat into the hypetrain, haven't I?

    • + 0
    • Mar 15 2019 - 12:09
  • Ferrari will be a lot closer tomorrow for sure....worrying signs for William....again

    • + 0
    • Mar 15 2019 - 21:00

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