Vettel explains loss of crucial set of F1 tyres for Bahrain GP Q3

Vettel was forced to make a second run in Q2 to guarantee progression to the final part of qualifying, which left him with only enough new soft tyres for a single run in the crucial Q3 segment of the session.

He ultimately qualified second, just under three tenths down on Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc, and Vettel said he was "unlucky" with what happened in Q2.

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"It was a bit hectic in Q2 and I was just in an unfortunate slot, which is sometimes very difficult to control," he said.

"I got basically unlucky and following Daniel [Renault driver Daniel Ricciardo] for a lap it was very marginal.

"We had to go again and lost a set we were not planning to run in Q2.

"Not ideal preparing [for] qualifying and we only had one run in the end, and it was crucial to get that last one to the finish.

"It was alright. I was hoping for more, but how today went I am quite happy. Tomorrow should be new day."

Vettel suggested he was a "bit shy" in the second sector on his Q3 lap, and revealed he has not generally been as comfortable as Leclerc with the balance of Ferrari's set-up this weekend.

"I think overall the car was very strong this weekend - I have been a little bit more vocal about the rear not being exactly where I wanted it to be; maybe Charles felt more confident all weekend," Vettel added.

"I think our qualifying slipped away a bit with what happened in Q2.

"[It's] not ideal at this point sitting here, but it is not about arguing here or there, it is his first pole, so congrats."