Vettel doubts there is a "pattern" to Leclerc deficit

Sebastian Vettel doesn’t think there is a specific factor which contributes to him continually finishing behind rookie team-mate Charles Leclerc in qualifying.

Leclerc claimed pole position for the Russian Grand Prix on Saturday, making him the first Ferrari driver to record four poles in a row since Michael Schumacher 18 years ago.

Vettel, meanwhile, finished in P3 in what was the ninth consecutive event this campaign in which he has been outqualified by the Monegasque.

He admits to being currently slower than Leclerc, but disputes the suggestion there could be a “pattern” to the defeats.

“Obviously in qualy here and there we didn't have the best sessions on my side,” Vettel said in Sochi.

“I think obviously today Charles was faster, so it's pretty easy to see where he's faster, but it's a little bit here and there.

“I don't think there's any pattern standing out saying that he's always faster in the same type of corners. As I said, obviously the last couple of races was closer than maybe it looked on the result, so we'll see what happens tomorrow.

“Usually come race day I'm getting more and more confident in the car, and pace has never been a problem in the race.”

Vettel’s first qualifying session was disrupted by a red flag which was initiated following Alex Albon’s crash into the barrier. It forced him into a pressurised situation where he had to quickly put together a fast lap to lift himself out of the elimination zone.

He got through and eventually recovered to claim P3, but reckons he failed to get the maximum out of his Ferrari.

“I thought by the time we got to Q3 it was fine,” he explained.

“I think overall I was pretty happy with the car - I just felt as if there was more in the car that I couldn't get to.”

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