Vettel says Ferrari needs "perfect race" to beat Mercedes

Sebastian Vettel says Ferrari needs to execute a “perfect race” to beat Formula 1 rivals Mercedes to victory in the Canadian Grand Prix. 

Vettel claimed his first pole position of 2019 in Montreal with a brilliant late effort to beat Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton by 0.206s on his final run in Q3.

In doing so, the German ended a run of 17 races since his last pole - which came at the 2018 German Grand Prix - though he admits Ferrari will need to be on top of its game if it is to seal a first win of the season and end Mercedes’ run of consecutive victories. 

“Obviously there was a reason why we were able to put the car on pole,” Vettel said. 

“It will be a close battle, we know our strengths and we know our weaknesses. It’s a long race. 

“We’re very quick down the straights, not so easy to pass but we will see. 

“In terms of pace, we know it will be close, and we need a perfect race to fight for the win.”

Aside from Hamilton topping the opening practice session on Friday, Ferrari had led the way throughout in Canada and boasted a significant straight-line speed advantage over its rivals.

Asked if he believes Ferrari’s performance in Canada can mark the start of a title turnaround, Vettel replied: “I don’t know I’m not a fortune teller. Or I can’t look in the future! 

“I don’t know, maybe. If you come to Abu Dhabi and ask if this was the turning point, hope I can give you a yes. 

“It’s a long season, lots of different tracks, different challenges, we know we need to catch up. 

“We had more top speed in all tracks so far. This is a track where top speed is more relevant, not too many corners. We’ll see. 

“The whole of Maranello is throwing everything at it to try and give us a better car and make it better races to come.”