Vettel could not even take the start of the race after suffering an unspecified engine problem on his way to the grid.

It was the second engine-related retirement for the Maranello squad, after teammate Kimi Raikkonen was hit by turbo problems in Australia.

Vettel believes the two problems are not related.

"Not at all," Vettel said when asked if he was worried about Ferrari's reliability.

"It was a surprise what Kimi suffered in Australia. I think we fixed it, and if it's the same thing again probably not, but I don't think it is," added the German.

Vettel, who had qualified in third place, admitted the retirement was very frustrating.

"I saw smoke coming out and then we decided to stop. Why? I don't know yet. Obviously frustrating.

"We'll see whether the engine has damage or not."