Title leader says only positives from 2017 so far despite believing Ferrari had potential to win all five races instead of just two
Monday 29 May 2017 08:32, UK
Sebastian Vettel believes Ferrari had the pace to win all five of 2017's opening races but denies Mercedes' back-to-back victories in Russia and Spain have cranked up the pressure on them to triumph in Monaco.
Vettel remains F1 2017's championship leader but defeat to Lewis Hamilton last time out at Barcelona means his advantage has shrunk to just six points. Meanwhile, Ferrari narrowly trail Mercedes in the constructors' standings.
Asked by Sky F1 if Ferrari needed to start picking up 25 points for race wins again after losing out to Valtteri Bottas in Sochi and Hamilton in Spain, Vettel replied: "The most important [thing is] we were there.
"We were there [at the front] in all the five races and we could have won all five if things were turning out a bit differently, but they didn't. Sometimes you end up being on the luckier side, sometimes not, but I think we have a long season ahead of us. Stuff like that will equal out.
"But, as I said, most important is that we were there. We had scruffy Fridays, rough Saturdays, but we were always there in the race, that's what matters. We have a strong package, we have a strong car and we are doing the right things, so not so worried of getting the points we deserve.
"We got the points we deserved so far, here and there people just did a better job overall, but I think we have plenty to look forward to. I'm looking forward to it."
If Ferrari are to halt Mercedes' recent winning streak then they need to end one of their longest and most curious ongoing barren runs in F1 - a 16-year victory drought in Monaco, the sport's blue-riband race.
None of the Italian marque's eight Monaco GP wins have come since 2001 but Vettel is confident of their prospects this time, even if Mercedes have been unbeatable at the Principality over the last four seasons.
"We have a very strong package and we are a very strong team, so we don't have anything to be afraid of," declared Vettel.
"But if you look at the last couple of years, Mercedes was very strong around here so they will be the ones naturally to beat. But I'm confident we can have a good weekend."
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