Vettel: "Ferrari's final step to success will be the hardest"

  • Published on 04 Jan 2018 14:53
  • comments 6
  • By: Fergal Walsh

Sebastian Vettel believes that Ferrari's final step towards title success will be the hardest. Following a number of disappointing seasons, Ferrari sprung into a title challenge in 2017, taking the fight to Mercedes who enjoyed three years of domination.

Ferrari ultimately lost out to the Silver Arrows, with Mercedes claiming the constructors' title in the US and Vettel conceding defeat to Lewis Hamilton in the race for a fifth drivers' title in Mexico. Vettel believes that Ferrari can return as the kings of F1, but knows the final hurdle will be the most difficult.

"Obviously the regulations stay roughly the same," said Vettel of the 2018 rules. "I think we have a good and healthy platform to build on at the beginning of the year so I hope we can continue.

"What we have to do is take that final step. If you look back, it's always that final step that's the hardest. There's a lot of work going on already and for the last couple of months focusing on next year, trying to make the car faster, with more power into the power unit, and then we'll see where we are."

Pauli

Posts: 140

Ferrari. The Jack of all trades and none. Basically they have pretty good PU and pretty good aero/suspension/weight balance. But Mercedes has better PU while RB has better aero/suspension/weight balance (end of 2017 season).

If they managed to master either PU or chassis then they would have the... [Read more]

  • 1
  • Jan 4 2018 - 16:20

Replies (6)

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  • Naturally, you are up against Mercedes.

    • + 0
    • Jan 4 2018 - 15:35
  • Pauli

    Posts: 140

    Ferrari. The Jack of all trades and none. Basically they have pretty good PU and pretty good aero/suspension/weight balance. But Mercedes has better PU while RB has better aero/suspension/weight balance (end of 2017 season).

    If they managed to master either PU or chassis then they would have the winning formula. Personally I wouldn't be surprised if RB is the team that dethrones Mercedes but that depends on Renault next season. Next season will be exciting to see how Honda improves and which PU deal RB manages to make.

    • + 1
    • Jan 4 2018 - 16:20
    • Agreed, there is much to look forward to in 2018. Honda vs Renault, RB vs Ferrari vs Mercedes, where will everyone be on the grid, which driver moves could happen... I really like it!

      • + 0
      • Jan 5 2018 - 10:26
  • Even if they get a slightly quicker he still has to beat LH.

    • + 0
    • Jan 4 2018 - 17:11
    • rastaman44

      Posts: 17

      I agree. Vettel will not be able to beat a motivated Hamilton. Without Adrian Newey designs to fall back on, Vettel is a toothless tiger LOL !!!

      • + 0
      • Jan 8 2018 - 08:04
  • blade

    Posts: 341

    Agree - and I don't see that happening, he is super motivated this year, moving clear into second place in the all time list, you can imagine how motivated that is going to make him...I hope Ferrari do a sterling job though and no implosions, would have been very close had they not shot themselves in the foot, twice !

    • + 0
    • Jan 5 2018 - 09:59

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