Ferrari are "struggling more" with tyres than in previous years, admits Vettel

Sebastian Vettel has admitted Ferrari have not been as competitive as they had hoped following the pre-season testing in Barcelona due to the inability to get the best out of its tyres.

"We have the tools, we just need to put the package together, that seems to be the struggle," Vettel said following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. "I think we struggle a bit more with the tyres this year than previous years."

Pirelli, the sport's tyre manufacturer, has once again altered its tyres in time for this season and Vettel believes Ferrari's rivals Mercedes have grasped the changes quicker than the Italians.

“It seems just easier for them to click and to happen whereas for us [it’s a] bit more difficult. I think the secret so far this year on average, if you’re fair, have been the tyres, and maybe we are missing something," Vettel continued.