Malaysian GP: Vettel says the heat help Ferrari beat Mercedes

The German delivered a stunning victory for Ferrari at Sepang on Sunday, as rival Mercedes did not have the pace or consistency to challenge him.

But although Ferrari has made a good step forward this season, Vettel thinks that its performance against Mercedes may have been flattered by the warm conditions.

"They probably struggled a bit with the heat, more than expected," explained Vettel.

"We didn't struggle as much as we probably expected. Both things made us competitive and able to beat them fair and square.

"In the next race, it's a different type of track. It's supposed to be a lot cooler. I think Mercedes will struggle in the hot conditions at this stage of season, but I expect them to be strong [in China].

"They are the ones who usually set the pace. Today we capitalised on their weakness a bit. For the next race, we will try to race as hard as we can and see where it takes us."

Vettel was overwhelmed with emotions after his Malaysia triumph - which was helped by Mercedes electing to stop early for new tyres when the safety car was called out.

"I have definitely missed not just the champagne but the top step," he said. "So it's great to come back after a tough season where I just didn't get on top of the car.

"This year, the balance of the car seems to suit me and come my way and also Kimi [Raikkonen]'s way more than last year in general.

"The strategy was obviously ace, so big thanks to the guys. When they [Mercedes] pulled in, I think we were a bit surprised.

"We saw on Friday they weren't too happy on the medium compound, and Lewis [Hamilton] was struggling in the first stint so I was able to keep up, which I enjoyed a lot.

"Then I knew I had to deliver: try to make the tyres last as long as I can.

"The second stint, he was chasing me down which was tough. In the end I was able to rebalance the car a bit more and have a solid gap in the last couple of laps."