Sebastian Vettel is taking a ‘wait and see’ approach to the Bahrain Grand Prix but does expect some progress to be made.
The Scuderia is under early pressure following a very poor result in Australia, which saw both drivers finish almost a minute behind race winner Valtteri Bottas in fourth and fifth.
What made the performance worse was it came after a pre-season which had raised expectations, with Vettel admitting there has been a lot of reflection since.
“Obviously there was a lot of reports and big analysis because we wanted to be in a different place,” he commented on Thursday. “So the last couple of weeks have been very intense.
“I think we have some answers, but as always you never get all the answers because we never get the chance to go back and repeat.
“Things move on, we’re here now in Bahrain on a different track but I think we learned some stuff about the car and ourselves that should help us to be more competitive here.”
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There has been a number of theories for Ferrari’s problems at the season opener, but a lot of talk has surrounded the engine amid speculation of overheating issues and high fuel consumption.
“We were losing out everywhere. When I say everywhere, that means also down the straights,” Vettel told Autosport, without directly answering to those claims.
“I wouldn’t draw too many conclusions. Last year we had a very efficient car and maybe at the end of the year we were a little short in terms of downforce, so then you can be faster down the straights.
“So, I think this year’s car, if it gives us the feeling that we know is a very strong car, is very fast round the corners, maybe then it’s a bit slower down the straights.
“But I think we haven’t had enough track time yet, [enough] races, to really give a fair answer.”
