Vettel: “We need a stronger package”

Sebastian Vettel has admitted that speed is the key factor in taking a step forward for Ferrari next season.

2018 was the closest Ferrari and Vettel had been to beating Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes to the Championships. But a series of mistakes left the team short.

Regardless of the competition being close between the two teams, Vettel believes the Scuderia need to take another step forward for 2019 to put them ahead of Mercedes.

"I think we need a stronger package," Vettel said (f1i.com).

"We certainly had our moments this year when we had strong races but we also had races which weren’t very strong, we weren’t quick enough, so I think overall it’s the speed that decides and I think more often than not I think we’re lacking a little bit of speed.”

"I think we’re working very hard and the motivation is there to do that final step that is still outstanding."

"I think we have the people, we have the resources so it’s more getting the maximum out of our package, improving the work inside our team and making sure that we come up with a stronger package, a stronger team for the future."

"They’re (Mercedes) doing a really good job as a team. The challenge to beat such a strong team is difficult but that’s our target."

Vettel also spoke of the drivers tending to receive the majority of praise and attention when there is just as much effort out in in the factory.

"When we cross the line you look at us first, but there’s a lot of people behind to make sure that you do cross the line and if they do their job really really well and work together then you have a high chance of finishing higher up."