Lewis Hamilton moved to second on the all-time list for Formula One pole positions when he used a brilliant late surge to beat Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Saturday.
It led to a chaotic conclusion as a number of drivers - including both Vettel and Hamilton - attempted to improve on their time.
"Up until now, Sebastian has had the consistency of a winning championship", he said.
Championship leader Vettel remained unperturbed by the gap and was confident Ferrari could challenging Mercedes in the race.
But he remains circumspect as to whether Mercedes has truly turned the corner. We've had more of an up-and-down season. I think they (Ferrari) are still the favorites because their auto seems to be suitable for all circuits. "But I think there's more unlocked potential in our vehicle".
But none of the current crop have ever won the Baku race after Hamilton's old foe Nico Rosberg stormed to victory here in the venue's inaugural race a year ago.
As to whether Bottas can become a true title contender, we will have to wait. Most observers conclude that Hamilton undoubtedly holds No. 1 status at Mercedes. "He is coping so well with the hard days". Such a deal was said to have made him Britain's best-paid sportsman.
Ferrari is more reliable, and maybe even a little faster than Mercedes.
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Ten teams, two drivers in each, will compete on the six kilometer Baku City Circuit. Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) - 73 points 5.
Vettel showed all his mettle in Canada, however, when he started on the front row, dropped to last and came back through the field to fourth with a fighting display that earned him the Driver of the Day award. A gripping fight with Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel for the title has only heightened the joy he is taking from racing, so much so he believes his best still lies ahead.
And while a future seat with Ferrari does not seem to be beyond the realms of possibility, Hamilton insists he remains more than happy at Mercedes and is now more focused on how to consistently outwit the resurgent Italians rather than thinking about pulling on those famous red overalls.
Verstappen, tipped to be F1's next big star, needs a strong performance in Baku.
Vettel was then caught at the end of the pitlane at the end of Q3 when Daniel Ricciardo hit the wall to bring out the red flag, meaning he lost tyre temperature as he used the same set for the final run in qualifying when the session restarted.
Bottas has won one race, secured three other podium finishes and a pole position so far. To its credit, Pirelli has admitted it over-engineered the tires, and as a result, won't use the hardest compound for the remainder of the season.
McLaren is the only team yet to score a point.
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