Sebastian Vettel is seeking a strong race at the Sochi Autodrom this weekend in a bid to put the disappointment of the results from the opening three races of the Formula 1 season behind him.
The Scuderia Ferrari driver had high hopes heading into the season, but despite two podium finishes, Vettel believes the team were aiming higher in 2016 as they bid to overcome the challenge from Mercedes.
Despite his disappointments, Vettel knows the season is long – 2016 is the longest season in Formula 1 history with twenty-one races – and also knows the team are working hard to achieve their goals.
“We didn’t have the first three races that we were looking for, but I think we are in a better position than last year,” reflected Vettel. “It is natural to have a sense of pressure, especially from myself.
“There have been races where I was very happy for what I’ve done and there have been occasions in which I know I didn’t do my best, but that’s how it is.
“Usually, when you finish second the year before in the Championship overall, you want to be the best team next year. We said many times we are happy with the car, we are on the right track.
“We are not overly concerned. I think it’s about putting things together and things coming together as well. For sure we are not sitting here waiting to have a lucky race. We are working very hard and we want to make progresses.
“The race is on Sunday and there’s always a chance. So, for now we have to focus on Friday and then go from there. Honestly, I think about how I feel with the car and our feeling is good. We look at ourselves and not too much at the others.”
