Vasseur gives insight into strategy: ‘Going with no slipstream was correct'

"I'm still convinced that without the slipstream it's still better," Vasseur explained Ferrari’s approach to Sky Sports after qualifying. The Frenchman also underlined that Red Bull did the same. "For sure, you see the advantage of the slipstream in the straight line, but you have the disadvantage. Max was without the slipstream. It was the right call."

Ferrari can be 'quite confident' ahead of Sunday

"It's difficult to predict [tomorrow’s race]. Race pace was okay on Friday, even if the long stint was short, because I think there was a red flag. But so far so good. We did four or five laps in a row, it's not the longest stint, it's not representative of the race, but it's better," Vasseur continued.

However, Ferrari’s team principal was also quick to point out that tyre management will be important in order to get a great result for the team. "I think that when we are in good shape on qualifying, we are also performing on Sunday. We are one step down, you overpush a little bit to follow the group, and you damage the tyres more. But let's see after lap one where we are, and where we stand, and what we can do. But we can be quite confident after Friday."

Vasseur also added: "It's always an advantage to have two cars in the top three, but for the strategy you can play a little bit. But I think it will be much more a matter of pace than pure strategy, that the strategy looks good."