Vettel retired early
After surviving the coronavirus infection, Sebastian Vettel was eliminated in the first of three sections. An accident that hit the barriers during the last practice session meant that the four-time world champion was only able to do one fast lap. He was only able to secure 18th place. Because of a penalty for Alexander Albon (Williams), Vettel moves up to 17th on the grid.
Vettel’s Aston Martin team only managed to get the car roadworthy again at the last second. “It was a miracle we got out at all”said Vettel and spoke of one “great example of teamwork”. The 34-year-old expressly thanked his mechanics for having his destroyed car repaired. “I didn’t expect it”said Vettel.
Mick Schumacher also far behind
The former champion couldn’t do much. “It’s not an easy weekend. But we’ll see what’s going on in the race”emphasized the Hessian: “We have our problems, that won’t change overnight.” Vettel had missed the first two races of the season due to a positive corona test and is starting the season late in Melbourne. Mick Schumacher finished 15th in the Haas racing car.
Before the third round of the season this Sunday (April 10th, 2022), Leclerc (45 points) leads in the overall World Championship standings ahead of Carlos Sainz (33) in the second Ferrari and defending champion Verstappen (25).
Source: sid/dpa