Three-time Formula 1 World Champion, Sebastian Vettel talked to Formula1.com about his concerns as the season is about to start down under in Melbourne in just 10 days.
After the final winter test in Barcelona, Vettel said there was plenty of work to be done as he was not fully satisfied with the bevahiour of Adrian Newey's latest creation, the Red Bull RB9 Renault on Pirelli's new tires.
“I think we all have been limited by what the tires can do. It was extremely difficult to read some set-up changes and find a direction with the car as the tires were simply not good enough,” said Vettel.
“It is extremely difficult to pinpoint any exact area we are not satisfied with because the tires are not consistent enough. We need to have a good look at the data between now and Melbourne to have a better understanding of what to expect in Australia and the first few races of the season. In my opinion lap times didn’t matter all through the winter tests,” the German continued.
“I would have loved to work more on the set-up, but I don’t think that this is only me. I think everybody struggled in that area. Having said that, we cannot be satisfied with the state of affairs right now - but as I just said there is still time before Melbourne to make some significant changes,” he added.
The three-time champion said he did not think Mercedes AMG has produced a race-winning car. “We all saw the lap times, but it is a bit unclear at this stage what kind of tires give what step to you and, regarding the fuel load, I think it sure helps to have a bit less in the car!” he declared.
Like his teammate Mark Webber, Vettel would have liked to have two additional weeks of testing before the start of the season. “I would say that we never had a winter that was less conclusive than this one: the tires last more or less, depending on how much temperature you are able to create. So I think it is impossible for all of us to read the pace of the cars and to make out any favourites,” Vettel concluded.
After the final winter test in Barcelona, Vettel said there was plenty of work to be done as he was not fully satisfied with the bevahiour of Adrian Newey's latest creation, the Red Bull RB9 Renault on Pirelli's new tires.
“I think we all have been limited by what the tires can do. It was extremely difficult to read some set-up changes and find a direction with the car as the tires were simply not good enough,” said Vettel.
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| Photo: Red Bull/Getty Images |
“It is extremely difficult to pinpoint any exact area we are not satisfied with because the tires are not consistent enough. We need to have a good look at the data between now and Melbourne to have a better understanding of what to expect in Australia and the first few races of the season. In my opinion lap times didn’t matter all through the winter tests,” the German continued.
“I would have loved to work more on the set-up, but I don’t think that this is only me. I think everybody struggled in that area. Having said that, we cannot be satisfied with the state of affairs right now - but as I just said there is still time before Melbourne to make some significant changes,” he added.
The three-time champion said he did not think Mercedes AMG has produced a race-winning car. “We all saw the lap times, but it is a bit unclear at this stage what kind of tires give what step to you and, regarding the fuel load, I think it sure helps to have a bit less in the car!” he declared.
Like his teammate Mark Webber, Vettel would have liked to have two additional weeks of testing before the start of the season. “I would say that we never had a winter that was less conclusive than this one: the tires last more or less, depending on how much temperature you are able to create. So I think it is impossible for all of us to read the pace of the cars and to make out any favourites,” Vettel concluded.