Sebastian Vettel concedes he was "too shy" on the brakes heading into Turn 1 on his final qualifying lap at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Vettel held provisional pole but was pipped by Valtteri Bottas, and replays showed the German lost time with a more cautious approach at the Senna S'.

Thus, he was left a touch frustrated after qualifying, having missed out on top spot by just four-hundredths of a second.

"We have improved since Friday, and that’s the important thing," the four-time world champion said.

"I was happy with my car today, but in my last run, I was perhaps a bit too shy in braking for the first corner.

"I had a better run at the end of my out-lap, so there was probably more grip than I expected there.

"In the last sector, I knew I could make up for some of the lost time, and I did, but it wasn’t enough."

Nonetheless, Vettel was encouraged by Ferrari's competitiveness and is confident of going one better in Sunday's race. 

"It was very close, and we’re usually even closer in race conditions, so my motivation is high for tomorrow and I’ll being aiming for a win."

Vettel is eyeing a third victory at Interlagos after previous triumphs in 2010 and 2013.