Sebastian Vettel admits the Ferrari package still needs improvements following free practice for the German Grand Prix.

The four-time world champion finished third fastest in both Friday sessions and even improved from placing over 1.1s behind Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg in the morning to being around half a second adrift in the afternoon. Still, Vettel feels there is work to be done to unlock more pace from the SF16-H around Hockenheim.

“Over one lap it was okay but my long run I haven’t seen much, obviously we spent most of the afternoon on the soft, which is the slower tyre,” Vettel said. “Overall it was okay but we still need to improve our package.

“We are trying to be the fastest and we saw that Mercedes are very quick. In the end I am not looking too much, I’m listening to our car, listening to where we are and trying to do our best and then we go from there. Very simple, we are here to win and that’s what we try to do.”

Asked for his opinion on the revised radio rules, Vettel, who had been a vocal opponent of the FIA’s clampdown on pit-to-car messages, is naturally pleased to see the ban being lifted.

“The radio stuff makes it a lot easier for us in terms of remembering, so I think that’s straight forward,” the 29-year-old added.

“I think it is clear, we are allowed to say what we want […] so that should be better.”

REPORT: Rosberg maintains advantage over Hamilton in FP2

AS IT HAPPENED: Free practice for the German Grand Prix

Exclusive Alex Wurz Q&A: GPDA chairman "surprised" by Halo delay

Chris Medland's 2016 German Grand Prix preview

FEATURE: Halo: splitting opinion in F1

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Julien Billiotte

Recent Posts

Aston Martin showcases Maaden-inspired livery for Monaco GP

Aston Martin arrives in Monaco this weekend with a fresh coat of paint on its…

1 hour ago

Ben Sulayem reiterates push for V8 return with pointed message

Mohammed Ben Sulayem is not backing away from his vision for Formula 1's future. The…

2 hours ago

Leclerc signs new Ferrari deal ahead of home race in Monaco!

Just days before the most emotional race weekend of his season, Charles Leclerc has reaffirmed…

4 hours ago

F1 Commission stalls on 2027 power unit changes

Formula 1’s ongoing debate over its future power unit regulations remains unresolved after Tuesday’s F1…

5 hours ago

Williams accelerates AI push with appointment of new CIO

Williams Racing has doubled down on its technology-first future with the appointment of Dr James…

21 hours ago

Cadillac admits team’s first Monaco GP is ‘massive challenge

The opening five races of the 2026 F1 seasons have offered Cadillac many valuable lessons,…

22 hours ago