Vettel surprised by Q2 exit in Austria

Sebastian Vettel was left dismayed by Ferrari’s lack of pace in qualifying for the Austrian Grand Prix after he failed to make the top ten shootout.

Vettel will start Sunday’s season-opener at the Red Bull Ring from 11th on the grid having failed to make Q3 - a year on from Ferrari claiming pole position with Charles Leclerc at the very same venue.

Leclerc narrowly progressed into the final part of qualifying but could only manage seventh on the grid, qualifying behind both Mercedes drivers, the two Red Bulls, Lando Norris in the McLaren and the Racing Point of Sergio Perez. 

"Obviously it is a surprise," Vettel said after qualifying at the Red Bull Ring in Austria. "We thought we had a little bit more in hand, but it looks like the others were probably running a bit more fuel, a bit more conservative than in practice.

"I wasn't quite happy with the car, I was not so happy with the car, quite more oversteer on entry than I would have liked. But we will see."

Despite a lack of pace in qualifying, Vettel is still confident of bringing home a strong result in Sunday's Austrian Grand Prix due to the competitive race pace Ferrari showed in Friday practice.

"It's a long race,'' Vettel added. I think in race trim we are always better. I think we will be there to make up some good ground and score some good points."

Ferrari will be introducing a substantial upgrade package in two weeks' time at the Hungarian Grand Prix in a bid to turn around its fortunes.