Vettel wary of Bahrain's little margin for error

Sebastian Vettel says that the Bahrain International Circuit's desert surroundings make the margin for error small throughout a Grand Prix weekend.

The middle-eastern country hosts the second round of the 2019 championship this weekend, as Ferrari looks to bounce back from a disappointing result in Australia.

The Scuderia outfit couldn't keep up with rivals Mercedes at Albert Park, but is confident that changes it has made will have a positive impact this weekend.

Speaking from a driver's perspective, Vettel described that the base difficulty of the circuit is "normal", but the surrounding sand can make for a tricky ride.

“From a driver’s point of view, I would describe the level of difficulty for this circuit as basically ‘normal’," the four-time world champion said.

"However, it is hard to find the right rhythm in the desert, mainly because of the sand that the wind blows onto the track. Therefore every lap is different, which can be a decisive factor, especially in qualifying.

"If you move just a few inches off the ideal line, you start to slide and you can throw your lap in the bin, because you just can’t make up the time you lose at this point.

"Therefore, the rate of mistakes is significantly higher than at other circuits. You need to be patient before overtaking, maybe waiting for the driver in front of you to have a small slide.

"There are two very good overtaking opportunities: at the first corner and at corner 14, after the long straight”.

Vettel's teammate Charles Leclerc made his debut at Bahrain two years ago in Formula 2, producing a sensational drive to chop back through the field in the final laps to win.

The Monegasque driver is hoping that he can bring a strong result home for Ferrari, after finishing fifth two weeks ago. 

"I started here in Formula 2 and had some great races, although last year was a little bit harder as I was just at the beginning of my career in Formula 1. I can’t wait to race there with Ferrari, hopefully bringing home a good result”.

Replies (2)

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  • Vettel, we need to talk. It's about the German porn 'stache. I cannot bear being a fan of you with that thing around.

    Mind, just don't crash, and you should be good. It feels like the desert tracks generally favour the Merc' cars more, but I'd be delighted to see a different outcome.

    • + 0
    • Mar 27 2019 - 06:33

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Formula 1 Calendar - 2025

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Bahrain
14 - Mar 16 2025
Australia
21 - Mar 23 2025
China
4 - Apr 6 2025
Japan
11 - Apr 13 2025
Bahrain
18 - Apr 20 2025
Saudi Arabia
2 - May 4 2025
United States of America
16 - May 18 2025
Italy
23 - May 25 2025
Monaco
30 - Jun 1 2025
Spain
13 - Jun 15 2025
Canada
27 - Jun 29 2025
Austria
4 - Jul 6 2025
United Kingdom
25 - Jul 27 2025
Belgium
1 - Aug 3 2025
Hungary
29 - Aug 31 2025
Netherlands
5 - Sep 7 2025
Italy
19 - Sep 21 2025
Azerbaijan
3 - Oct 5 2025
Singapore
17 - Oct 19 2025
United States of America
24 - Oct 26 2025
Mexico
7 - Nov 9 2025
Brazil
21 - Nov 23 2025
United States of America
28 - Nov 30 2025
Qatar
5 - Dec 7 2025
United Arab Emirates
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2025

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
14 - Mar 16 2025
Australia Albert Park
21 - Mar 23 2025
4 - Apr 6 2025
11 - Apr 13 2025
18 - Apr 20 2025
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
2 - May 4 2025
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
16 - May 18 2025
23 - May 25 2025
Monaco Monte Carlo
30 - Jun 1 2025
13 - Jun 15 2025
27 - Jun 29 2025
Austria Red Bull Ring
4 - Jul 6 2025
United Kingdom Silverstone
25 - Jul 27 2025
1 - Aug 3 2025
Hungary Hungaroring
29 - Aug 31 2025
Netherlands Circuit Zandvoort
5 - Sep 7 2025
Italy Monza
19 - Sep 21 2025
Azerbaijan Baku City Circuit
3 - Oct 5 2025
17 - Oct 19 2025
United States of America Circuit of the Americas
24 - Oct 26 2025
7 - Nov 9 2025
Brazil Interlagos
21 - Nov 23 2025
United States of America Las Vegas Street Circuit
28 - Nov 30 2025
5 - Dec 7 2025
United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
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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
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