After consecutive disappointments in Australia and Bahrain, Ferrari must have been hoping that all would come good at Formula 1’s 1000th World Championship race in China.

As it happened, the team who have competed in more Grands Prix than any other were left scratching their heads once more.

The signs had at least been there in Bahrain, it was the just the execution that let them down. But any hopes of having the fastest car again in China were dashed after a qualifying session that saw both cars three tenths behind the Mercedes duo.

The race confirmed the fears suspected in qualifying as the lead Ferrari of Vettel finished 13 seconds off the pace, with Leclerc over half a minute behind…