Sebastian Vettel says Ferrari has definitely got “a lot closer” to Mercedes over the course of this season.
Mercedes enjoyed a dominant 2014 and started this season in the same fashion with a one-two finish in Australia. However, Vettel hit back to win for Ferrari in Malaysia and has also secured victories in Hungary and Singapore this season. While Lewis Hamilton wrapped up the drivers’ championship in the United States, Vettel says the 14-second gap to race-winner Nico Rosberg in Brazil is a clear sign of how much closer Ferrari now is to Mercedes.
“I think overall it’s true that we are closer compared to Australia,” Vettel said. “Obviously Malaysia was a bit different for us but I think in general if you look at the beginning of the season to now we are a lot closer.
“I don’t know what happened to Lewis in the end [in Brazil] I think the real gap we have to look at is the one to Nico. I think they were dropping a bit of pace, I was catching up as well but we are a lot closer than previous races. I think already in Mexico – obviously my race didn’t go too well - but I think the pace was strong so yes, I think we are closer, that’s due to hard work.
And Vettel described the progress made in some areas by Ferrari as “a miracle” having been so far off the pace in 2014.
“We’ve improved on the engine side, the motoristi in Maranello have done a miracle this year, that’s due to the car. We have raised our game but yeah, for sure we want to be closer, a lot closer, ideally ahead next year.
“That’s a massive step but that’s the challenge and that’s the target for next year. We know we set high targets but in the end we want to be favourites going in and not hoping for something to happen in front to benefit.”
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