Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsFerrari

Strategy was wrong but we're on the right track - Vettel

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Third-placed man Sebastian Vettel says that Ferrari's aggressive strategy in today's Australian GP which followed the mid-race red flag was the wrong choice in hindsight.

Vettel stormed off the grid and quickly got the upper hand over both Mercedes drivers before Turn 1, with team mate Raikkonen in tow.

The German built up a substantial lead but it was all put into question when the race was red-flagged after a massive crash involving Fernando Alonso and Esteban Gutierrez.

Teams were allowed complete freedom to change strategies during the suspended race period, and while Mercedes wisely chose to put their drivers on medium rubber.

The Scuderia went for a more aggressive plan by mounting Vettel with super-softs, a choice which would impose an additional pit stop for the German.

"We went for the aggressive route," said Vettel after finishing in third.

"Maybe with hindsight we could have done something else, but I don't want to blame anyone. It's a shame the other car didn't make it but it is positive.

"Ultimately I'm very happy with third. I tried everything and hope it works next time."

In the closing stages of the race, Vettel succeeded in closing the gap with Hamilton, hounding the Mercedes and looking eventually to pounce, but a slight mistake a few laps from the end put that hope to rest.

Still, despite losing out, Vettel definitely felt satisfied with Ferrari's performance level relative to that of arch rival Mercedes.

"We were a lot closer, and this is one of our worst tracks. We expected to be stronger in qualifying, that wasn't the case as we had a bit of a rough session.

"Today was a lot better for us. We are on the right track and things are coming together. All in all we are a lot closer so plenty of positives.

"We know we can up our game and we want to put pressure on these guys."

AS IT HAPPENED: 2016 Australian Grand Prix

2016 F1 season: Team-by-team preview

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.