Ferrari further behind Mercedes compared to last year - Vettel

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For the last two years, the Australian Grand Prix has concluded with Sebastian Vettel hoisting the winners' trophy, but the German driver believes Ferrari gap to Mercedes has actually increased compared to where it stood twelve months ago.

Vettel conceded that it was a lucky win on Sunday, rooted in his fortunate first long stint strategy paired with a Mercedes software glitch which enabled him to remain in command until the checkered flag.

The Scuderia star insists however that the Italian squad will need to improve the pace of its SF71-H to challenge on its own merit the Silver Arrows W09, adding that he hasn't yet tamed his new prancing horse.

F1i's Driver Ratings for the Australian GP

"Today we didn't have the true race pace to match [Mercedes]," Vettel said after the Melbourne round.

"If we're fair, Lewis was fastest whereas last year I think we had a bit more pace at this point. Last year we were putting them under pressure.

"At the moment we’re a bit worse. If you look at the gaps from the whole weekend we are not yet a true match so at this point we are not yet where we want to be," he added.

"When I'm racing the car doesn't respond the way you would like. I want the car to be spot on when I hit the brakes and turn in. I'm still struggling a little bit and I'm not yet happy."

Vettel seized the opportunity which came his way in Australia, but the German welcomed the lucky break in light of the costly setbacks which undermined the second half of his 2017 season.

"Needless to say we got a bit lucky with the timing of the Safety Car but equally I think we had some races, in particular last year, where it went the other way,"

"I’ve been on the other side as well. Good points and for everyone back at home I think there are motivations to press on."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.