Aston Martin driver Sebastian Vettel narrowly missed qualifying for the 2022 Formula 1 Brazilian Grand Prix in Sao Paulo. As 13th in the Q2 segment, he was 0.091 seconds short of the tenth fastest time. It was driven by Esteban Ocon (Alpine).
“I was actually quite happy with my lap. But it was already starting to drizzle. That was certainly not ideal. It’s a shame because I thought it would be enough,” said Vettel, who after all had the team duel with P13 in qualifying won against Aston Martin colleague Lance Stroll (P15).
The conditions at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace in Interlagos were treacherous, although not as treacherous in the Q2 segment as later in the Q3 segment. Had it not been for a slowdown that saw him going straight into Turn 1 at the end of the start/finish straight, it might have been enough for Vettel.
“Because I knew that I had to improve my lap time, I couldn’t brake extremely early. I tried to brake more or less in the same place as always. The wheels locked and I slipped straight,” reports Vettel.
“It was very difficult to assess that. I don’t think I’m the only one who ended up sailing straight ahead,” says Vettel to ‘Sky’ and defends himself: “You don’t see it so well. It was also a bit dark at the end and incredibly difficult to assess.”