Vettel: Mercedes in a “different universe” in F1 Hungarian GP

Sebastian Vettel has conceded Ferrari has no chance of challenging Mercedes in the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Ferrari enjoyed a small upturn in performance in qualifying at the Hungaroring with both of its cars making Q3 for the first time in 2020.

Vettel lines up fifth on the grid, a place ahead of team-mate Charles Leclerc.

Despite Ferrari’s result in qualifying being better on paper, the gap to Mercedes remains substantial with Vettel ending the session 1.3s down on pole-sitter Lewis Hamilton.

“I think the first two are completely out of reach, they are just not on a different planet, but it seems on a different universe at the moment so we’ll see but we’ll fight with what we have and try to make the best out of it.”

Rain is forecast for the race and given Ferrari’s struggles last time out in the rain-affected qualifying for the Styrian Grand Prix, Vettel is unsure if Ferrari would be able to maintain its good grid position. 

“I don’t know,” Vettel added. “We struggled a bit in the rain to be fair, yesterday was important to do a couple of laps. Maybe not the easiest for us. Clearly If it’s wet things move around a bit more so maybe a bit more hope but I think generally we should be in a decent spot tomorrow starting further up. 

“I think in the race we can make a difference with tyres etc. We're on a different tyre strategy compared to the first four.”

Ferrari currently sits fifth in the constructors' championship, 61 points off leaders Mercedes after just two rounds.