Sebastian Vettel has described the pace of his Red Bull as ‘phenomenal’ following a dominant victory in the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Vettel started third, but by lap two had overhauled Nico Rosberg’s pole-winning Mercedes, and sought to extend his advantage in the coming laps. The reigning world champion’s pace was such that before his third and final pit-stop, he held an advantage of around half a minute from his nearest rival.
"A flawless, seamless race from start to finish," said a jubilant Vettel after the race. “The pace was phenomenal; the car was very quick and just seemed to get better and better towards the end.
"A big, big thank you to the team today,"
He also admitted that carefully managing the tires was an important part of claiming his 28th career victory, with tire-wear being something of a question mark surrounding the Red Bull in 2013.
“It was really a beautiful race where you could really push every single lap and we took good care of the tyres, so overall very happy."
Vettel also commented he needed to make a good start to make the most of the Red Bull’s pace after qualifying third.
"It was crucial straight away after the start to get in to the lead if I could and then go from there," he conceded.
"Once the track was clear we could unfold the true pace of the car."
Vettel started third, but by lap two had overhauled Nico Rosberg’s pole-winning Mercedes, and sought to extend his advantage in the coming laps. The reigning world champion’s pace was such that before his third and final pit-stop, he held an advantage of around half a minute from his nearest rival.
"A flawless, seamless race from start to finish," said a jubilant Vettel after the race. “The pace was phenomenal; the car was very quick and just seemed to get better and better towards the end.
"A big, big thank you to the team today,"
He also admitted that carefully managing the tires was an important part of claiming his 28th career victory, with tire-wear being something of a question mark surrounding the Red Bull in 2013.
“It was really a beautiful race where you could really push every single lap and we took good care of the tyres, so overall very happy."
Vettel also commented he needed to make a good start to make the most of the Red Bull’s pace after qualifying third.
"It was crucial straight away after the start to get in to the lead if I could and then go from there," he conceded.
"Once the track was clear we could unfold the true pace of the car."