Vettel: Ferrari can't be ruled out in Monaco

Sebastian Vettel says predictions of Ferrari struggle at the Monaco Grand Prix may be wide of the mark, pointing to the team's strong performance at the race in recent years. Ferrari were well off the pace in Barcelona's third sector a fortnight ago – generally seen as a sign of Monaco form.

Mercedes' five one-two finishes on the spin has put Ferrari firmly on the back foot to start 2019.

While the Silver Arrows have been mighty, Ferrari have been beset by indecisive strategy and driver errors.

However, Vettel hopes that Monaco's unique make-up can level the playing field once again, despite the likes of Red Bull chief Helmut Marko predicting that Ferrari might drop further down the order this weekend.

"Going forwards we know we're not quick enough to beat Mercedes," Vettel said.

"I don't think we need time, I think we understood in Barcelona that we are just not quick enough.

"We are not happy with that so we are working very hard trying to make a difference.

"This track is unique and anything can happen this weekend, so it's probably irrelevant what the paper might say or the form of the last five races might suggest.

"Coming here anything can happen. For here, it's difficult to predict.

"You would assume these types of corners don't really suit us based on the last couple of races but I don't see why we shouldn't have a good race.

"Historically, the last couple of years at least, were very good for us."