Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel moved to play down Red Bull’s pace during practice for the Monaco Grand Prix, after his former team claimed a 1-2 in both sessions.
Daniel Ricciardo led the way in the pair of 90-minute sessions, recording a new track record on both occasions, concluding the day with a time of 1:11.841.
Max Verstappen was runner-up across the sessions while Vettel was Red Bull’s closest challenger during the second session, his best time 0.572s behind Ricciardo.
Vettel, who won last year’s Monaco Grand Prix, reckons Ferrari will be able to draw closer when Formula 1 action resumes on Saturday.
“Always on Friday Red Bull looked a bit stronger, so let’s see if it’s the usual [on Saturday]”, said Vettel.
“I think it will be very close. I don’t have a favourite yet.
“I think for us we need to look at ourselves which is what we do and try to do our homework.
“I was pretty comfortable in the car, it was sliding too much, but as long as you know where it’s going to end up, and how it’s going to slide, then I think it’s fine.
“Now we need to get on top of the sliding and reduce it and I think we will pick up some pace, then we should be in a good position.”
Vettel also revelled in the nature of the street circuit, adding: “it is a bit more fun [than other circuits, the track is very challenging and you have no room for mistakes.
“You have to think twice before you drop it and try everything. But I think it’s what it’s about.
“I was happy today and I could play around even if I was sliding a lot, I still knew I wasn’t going to touch the barriers.
“Now we just need to get on top of the sliding and I think we will find some more pace.”
Vettel's Ferrari team-mate Kimi Raikkonen finished in fifth position, 0.702s behind Ricciardo.
