Sebastian Vettel admits his Ferrari team has work to do after only managing fifth fastest in Friday practice at the Russian Grand Prix.
The German led the opening session in Sochi in the morning, but ultimately wound up half a second behind championship rival Lewis Hamilton with both Red Bulls also getting in front.
Though they will fade away with engine penalties, Vettel knows his team need to catch up in one key area if they are to compete with Mercedes.
“Obviously, we looked quite far away from the rest of the field so not ideal,” he began.
“We were struggling a bit for one lap, but also on the long run, I think we went through our tyres a bit harder and quicker than the rest so we need to have a look.
“Just looking at ourselves it wasn’t a good day. I think in terms of the car there is more that we need to get to.”
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A spin during his later race simulation was perhaps the best summation of his day, but also there was more frustration with his team as he complained about traffic over the radio.
“That is Friday for you. Sometimes we have better Fridays than others,” he said playing it down.
“I think the first run wasn’t a particularly clean run but it was good enough, we struggled with the tyres, with and without traffic.
“Certainly the traffic doesn’t help but I think we have some catching up to do.”