Sebastian Vettel yet again failed to open his account with Aston Martin this season at the 2021 Portuguese GP. He looked on course, though, after starting inside the top 10. But his pace dropped off during his first stint and he’s now reflected on the race.

“I think after 10 laps it was really difficult to keep up with the group ahead. We just couldn’t stay with them and ultimately lost out,” Vettel told F1 Columnist Lawrence Barretto after the race.

He couldn’t keep up because he started the race on the less-favorable soft tires. Although they are quicker during the opening stages, these compounds also suffer from more graining. Especially at the windy and slippery Portimao track. So, he had to pit early and his second stint on the mediums was too long.

But he doesn’t think that the tires were the cause of his drop in pace. The AMR21 car, which resigned both Vettel and Lance Stroll to 13th and 14th place respectively, simply wasn’t quick enough in comparison to their other mid-field competitors.

“I don’t think the tires went off an awful lot. I think the strategy was okay – we had to try something. But ultimately we didn’t have the pace, not enough speed to put the pressure on the cars in front. Hence, why it was quite tricky,” Vettel explained to Sky Sports F1.

WATCH: Vettel’s Post Race Team Radio Reveals Aston Martin’s Team Orders

Sebastian Vettel hopes to have a better outing in Barcelona

While they struggled in Portimao, they would want to turn it around next weekend in Barcelona. The track at the Spanish GP is more conventional and offers a lot of grip for the drivers. With upgrades also expected to come in for Aston Martin, does he expect a more favorable outing?

“We will see. I mean there is obviously a bit of track-to-track difference. So, hopefully, in Barcelona, it suits us better,” answered Vettel.

Trending

Liam Lawson’s Surprise Contract Clause Threatens Daniel Ricciardo’s RB Seat

April 24, 2024 11:15 AM EDT

F1 Rumor: Adrian Newey to Join Ferrari, Leaving Red Bull Amid Christian Horner-Helmut Marko Fiasco

April 25, 2024 05:55 PM EDT

“[Charles] Leclerc Doesn’t Care About Ferrari”: F1 Insider’s Brutal Blow to Fred Vasseur & Co. Has Racing Community Lashing Out

April 24, 2024 05:00 PM EDT

What Is Azzurro La Plata and Azzurro Dino? Significance of Ferrari’s Historic Change to a Blue Livery for Miami GP

April 24, 2024 04:52 PM EDT

F1 Rumor: Oliver Bearman to Join Haas as Nico Hulkenberg Leaves Seat Empty to Join Kick Sauber Team

April 26, 2024 10:45 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

The former Ferrari driver needs a better car underneath to restore his confidence. Let’s hope that he can build on the positive of a cleaner and error-free Sunday drive.