Vettel: Ferrari must not become blinded by Friday pace

Sebastian Vettel is remaining cautious over Ferrari's Friday pace at the Circuit Spa-Francorchamps, stating the team mustn't be blinded by its gap over the rest of the field.

After the second practice session, Ferrari was over eight-tenths of a second ahead of Mercedes, holding a distinct advantage in sector one.

The long straights in the opening sector are providing Ferrari with rapid sector times compared to rivals Mercedes, who in turn have an advantage in the second sector.

Vettel doesn't think the margin is representative and has warned Ferrari about not getting complacent with its position on the timesheet. 

"I don't think the margin is correct. I don't know what the others are doing but we've seen a few times that we're quick on a Friday, so I'm not blinded by that.

"It's okay, I think it can be a bit better so we're working on it. It's a Friday, the reality is that it's a Friday. We have to wait until tomorrow night and especially Sunday when it matters.

"We're less competitive in sector two and more in sector three where there is a straight. We knew [that], but we have to work on sector two, work on the feel of the car there."

For the Grand Prix on Sunday, the temperatures are expected to drop by a number of degrees compared to Friday.

However, it doesn't concern Vettel despite the issues Ferrari has had this season with the Pirelli tyres and switching them on properly. 

"Not concerned, it's a drop for everyone. It will be difficult to carry today to Sunday, but it was still useful to do the laps and we've got some homework."

Replies (3)

Login to reply
  • 1:43:8 is what i am expecting from Merc this Saturday.

    • + 0
    • Aug 30 2019 - 20:20
    • abhidbgt

      Posts: 283

      If it doesn't rain then I would reckon lower than this. Low 1:42 or high 1:41 is what I would bet on.

      • + 0
      • Aug 31 2019 - 01:14
    • abhidbgt

      Posts: 283

      I was so off. :D

      • + 0
      • Aug 31 2019 - 16:29

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