Sebastian Vettel says Ferrari has “huge” confidence heading into its home event in Italy this week as it bids to claim its first win at Monza since 2010.
Red Bull (2011, 2013) and McLaren (2012) denied Ferrari at the high-speed Monza circuit while in the hybrid era Mercedes has remained unbeaten, romping to four straight victories, including three 1-2 finishes.
Ferrari is enjoying its most competitive campaign of the hybrid phase and has taken five wins this year, having also held the fastest package at several other venues.
Ferrari’s improvements in engine power have been noted across the past few months, aiding Vettel’s charge to victory in Belgium, as he cruised past Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton on the opening lap.
Vettel described Ferrari’s confidence as “huge” and cut a buoyant mood while looking ahead to Monza.
“I think we’ve done everything right [in Belgium] but I think it’s a huge compliment if people praise our engine because the last five years people didn’t praise anything other than Mercedes engines,” said Vettel.
“So it’s good to have that change and I think it makes Maranello and all the Ferraristi and our engine department very happy.
“Everybody involved can be very proud. I think the key is not only that, the key is teamwork, the car is also working in all sorts of tracks, is efficient and I think that’s the key to bringing everything together. We take it.”
Vettel has finished on the podium upon each of his visits to Monza as a Ferrari driver, taking the runner-up spot in 2015 before placing third in 2016 and 2017 respectively.
“If you are dressed in the right colour – which I am – then I think Monza is always an absolute highlight,” added Vettel.
“As a racing driver, I don’t think it gets any better than that. There are so many families and support from our own people there, but the main thing obviously is all the fans, the Ferrari fans.
“As much as I enjoyed the orange the last couple of races I hope that we will have red for a change and I’m pretty sure that we’ll beat the orange.”
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