Sebastian Vettel says Mercedes was in a league of its own in qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix after the Ferrari driver finished third quickest and eight tenths down on pole sitter Lewis Hamilton at Monza.
The German was actually behind team-mate Kimi Raikkonen following the first run in Q3, but he eventually managed to pip the Finn with a charging late flyer despite running quite wide in the fearsome Parabolica.
“First of all, I was not very happy with the first shot in Q3,” Vettel said. “I thought I lost the rhythm a bit but I was able to get it back and I had a good lap.
“I just went on the limit in the last corner; I actually lost and was a bit late going on throttle but I think the lap itself after, let’s say not a great first sector where I was still losing out compared to Q2, I came back in sector two and three.
“Obviously very happy for us to lock out the second row as a team. I am not entirely happy because the gap [to Mercedes] is quite big. Looks like they have been in a world of their own but who knows what happens on Sunday.”
Vettel is taking part in his second Italian Grand Prix weekend as a Ferrari driver. After welcoming the news that the venue will remain on the calendar until at least 2019, the four-time world champion hopes he can give the local fans something to cheer about on race day.
“For sure, it’s great to see that we have so much support. Last year already was phenomenal and this year seems even better. Every out lap, people stand up and wave.
“It’s great to see all the flags. The support we get around here is massive so a big thanks to everyone, to all the tifosi. Hopefully we can give something back during the race.”
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