Lack of FP2 running a precaution - Vettel

Sebastian Vettel admits his lack of running in the second practice session for the United States Grand Prix was precautionary after noticing some unusual behavior from his Ferrari.

Having been second fastest to Lewis Hamilton in a damp FP1, Vettel ended the second session in third place, just behind Max Verstappen and half a second off the championship leader. That came despite a high-speed spin at Turn 19 that ended with a trip through the gravel, and Vettel says he then was concerned about the car's handling when he returned to the track.

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"It was a messy afternoon and not an easy session, but the car is quick so we don't need to worry," Vettel said. "Obviously the only lap I had was the one I set with the ultrasofts. Before I probably took too much risk earlier in the session and lost the rear into Turn 19 – it has been quite slippery there all day, it was my mistake.

"We lost a set of tires but in the end I felt something was not right with the car, so we came in a couple of times to check and then go out to double and triple check. We are looking into it to try to see something."

Ferrari has opted to change Vettel's chassis ahead of Saturday's running to rectify the issue, but the German says the time he delivered on his one flying lap on the ultrasoft tires highlights the raw pace in the car.

"The main thing was that Kimi [Raikkonen] did some running, so I think we got enough information. Obviously I didn't get too many laps, so I need to find the rhythm tomorrow but as I said, the car is quick so I am not too worried. We just need to make sure we get everything in order, then it should be a good day.

"When we are on track I think [Hamilton is within reach] but obviously we spent more time in the garage which wasn't the right thing. Sometimes it is like this, so I said to the guys we have a good car and the lap that I had was the only real lap that I had and it was not very good, so I am pretty sure we can step it up for tomorrow."