Mercedes will bring aerodynamic improvements to this week’s Chinese GP after a full analysis of why the Formula One world champions lost out to Ferrari in Malaysia.

Sebastian Vettel’s triumph at Sepang, in the German’s second race for Ferrari after leaving Red Bull, ended a run of eight successive wins for Mercedes.

The victory was Ferrari’s first since 2013 and dispelled fears that Mercedes were so far ahead they could win every race this year.

Mercedes motorsport head Toto Wolff said that Malaysia had been a “wake-up call” for his team after world champion Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg had chalked up a comfortable one-two in the Australian season-opener.

“We’ve spent time analysing Sepang to identify areas for improvement,” Lowe said.

“The most significant weakness was our tyre management during long runs.”

Technical head Paddy Lowe said high temperatures in Malaysia had helped Ferrari and worked against Mercedes but it was essential to have a car which performed at all circuits.

“So there is work to be done on that front,” added the Briton.

“It is now clearer than ever that there is serious competition, so we will continue to work flat out for performance gains.”