Vettel: We had the ingredients but didn’t put it together

Saturday, 15 September 2018 at 21:08

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Sebastian Vettel wanted to use the slower Pirelli Ultrasoft tyres for his final run in Q2 of qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix, but his team ordered him to pit for the faster Hypersofts which means he will start the Singapore Grand Prix from third place with the same tyres as his rivals.

Had he managed the time he may have an edge starting the race with the harder compound Ultras and benefit later on the Hyper faster rubber. But it came to nought, suggesting they were not prepared to risk it or it was not worth it.

Vettel said afterwards, “It wasn't an ideal session for us. You can figure out what I mean, we should have done better. We had the ingredients but we didn’t put it together."

“Third is not a disaster so I’m not completely upset but for sure we wanted to get pole. I think it was definitely there to grasp.”

Vettel wanted a crack at the time on Ultras so he would be able to start on them for the race, but the Ferrari pitwall insisted he bolt on the Hypers and this is the radio chatter that went on:

Ferrari Pitwall: Okay box, Sebastian, box.
Vettel: What is your thinking?
Ferrari Pitwall: We move to qualy [tyre].
Vettel: I still have lap time left.
Ferrari Pitwall: How much?
Vettel: With a decent out-lap I would say at least half a second.
Ferrari Pitwall: Okay, copy.
Vettel: How much do you need? Then I can tell you.
Ferrari Pitwall: 38.1. I think it’s not possible. Both Mercs on qualy and Red Bull as well.
Vettel: I can do a 38.1.
Ferrari Pitwall: Understood and box, we believe is too tight so we go for qualy.
Ferrari Pitwall: I'm happy to go option. That was not a good lap, the out-lap was too slow, tyres were too cold.
Ferrari Pitwall: I’ll come back to you.
Vettel: If you believe there is strong merit to start on the option I can do it.
Ferrari Pitwall: No we go on qualy. The decision is to go on qualy, the decision is too risky.
Vettel: Okay I follow you. I tell you I have more than half a second.
To Vettel: Understood.

(Note: Qualy tyre mentioned above is the Hypersoft Pirelli and the option tyre is referred to as Ultrasoft)

Kimi Raikkonen, in the sister Ferrari, did not believe the ultra had it in them, “They're just not fast enough, way too slow.”