Sebastian Vettel believes pole position was within reach for him and Ferrari, and was left to rue a cautious effort on his first Q3 push lap in Mexico.
Vettel held third position after the opening Q3 laps and maintained his spot through the final runs, as drivers backed off due to Valtteri Bottas’ crash.
Max Verstappen went on to take pole position but remains under investigation over allegedly failing to slow sufficiently for the yellow flags.
As it stands, Vettel is due to start Sunday’s race from third spot on the grid.
“It’s not ideal with the yellow flag otherwise I think it could have been a better session for myself,” said Vettel.
“I had it in my hands in the first run, I was probably too cautious after a good first sector, then I lost the rhythm, and I was too aggressive in the end, had a big snap in the first corner.
“I was quite confident I could make up some time. There was a yellow flag, but it happens.
“I think we could have matched Max’s time, but would, could, should.”
Ferrari has not claimed victory in Mexico since the country’s return to the championship in 2015, and Vettel pinpointed tyre usage as crucial to his and the team’s prospects.
“The key tomorrow will be to have a good race car to look after the tyres, to choose the right strategy,” said Vettel.
“We all start on the same tyre, but I think it will be a close race. Mercedes – I don’t know what happened to them today, but tomorrow they will be quick.”
