Sebastian Vettel has been left surprised by Ferrari's reliability problems at the start of the season after failing to start the Bahrain Grand Prix.
On the formation lap ahead of the race, Vettel suffered a power unit failure and pulled off the track with smoke pouring from the back of his Ferrari. With team-mate Kimi Raikkonen retiring from the Australian Grand Prix with a turbo problem, Vettel says the problems which have struck are unexpected.
"I don’t know, we lost power, we saw smoke coming out and we decided to stop," Vettel said. "I was surprised with what Kimi had in Australia. I think we fixed it but if it is the same thing again probably not, but I don’t think it is."
Raikkonen went on to finish second in the Bahrain Grand Prix to add to Vettel's third place in Australia. However, with Mercedes winning both races and adding two further podiums, the defending constructors' champion already holds a 50-point lead in the standings.
"It was frustrating ... we will see what happened and whether the engine has damage or not," Vettel added.
RACE REPORT: Rosberg beats Raikkonen to win in Bahrain
AS IT HAPPENED: Bahrain Grand Prix
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…
Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…
Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…
Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…
Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…
The Mercedes team was hit with a fine by the FIA after Sunday’s Sao Paulo…