Vettel had completed just two installation laps in his SF1000 when the car sustained a problem with the intercooler system that sits at the top of the power unit.
Ferrari confirmed it had "detected something wrong" and would be forced "to strip the car down and check to be ready for FP2".
The team later confirmed that after a thorough investigation it had detected and repaired a minor issue with the intercooler system, allowing Vettel to take part in FP2.
Vettel and team-mate Charles Leclerc had already suggested on Thursday the two races at Silverstone - with the circuit also hosting next weekend's 70th Anniversary Grand Prix - would prove a problem for the Scuderia.
The circuit is power-sensitive and requiring low downforce, areas where Ferrari's car has been found wanting so far this season.