Ferrari explained why it was not allowed to switch seats between Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc in Austria. According to the Spaniard, they failed a double platform with this – well, dubious strategic move.
“It was the best strategy the team could have chosen, as we achieved our best result this season so far.” – said the Ferrari coach after the Austrian Grand Prix. Frédéric Vasser was not wrong that Charles Leclerc’s second place in Austria was the best for the team this year, but his other driver, Carlos Sainz, was convinced Ferrari’s double podium would be added in this race.
The Spaniard was cautioned in fourth place after losing his big hair battle against Sergio Perez, who was on fresher tyres. Then, after the wave, he was given a 10-second penalty for widening the lane, which dropped him to sixth.
According to Leclerc, Ferrari is starting to rally – but hasn’t even fought against Verstappen
Ferrari and Charles Leclerc were really looking forward to this race, and they also got what they hoped for: confirmation of the correctness of the development direction. Of course, this is still not enough.
Even before the subsequent penalty, Sainz made a decisive statement on Ferrari’s strategy on Sunday. He complained about two things: the fact that although he was obviously faster than Charles Leclerc, his team wouldn’t let him get in front of the Monaco driver at the start of the race, and the fact that he was then called for a tire change at the same time that Leclerc lost. , losing six to seven seconds and according to him, the time lost like this could have been enough to stop Perez in the battle for third place.
“I was really fast today, especially on the medium tyres. I felt like I could keep up the pace and it’s a pity we didn’t catch it.” – the Spaniard lamented. They didn’t want us to fight and I stuck to the plan. I still had some to spare and it felt really good. I think I could get over it.”
Vasseur explained why he did not change places. He added, “We agreed at the start of the race to do this. We wanted to increase our advantage over the fourth and fifth positions, and it was agreed upon in advance in the event that we were in the second and third positions.” said the French.
“When you’re behind, with DRS, you naturally think you’re faster, but Carlos was also aware of the strategy at the start. He tried to put some pressure on. His pace wasn’t far behind Charles’ line but we’ll analyze if that’s the right strategy.”
On this day, it seems, as many as 10 cars have a chance of finishing on the podium, the specialist added. “I think Carlos had the speed to get to the podium today, but from a team strategy point of view, we don’t care who was in front.”
Not only Sainz, he didn’t understand Red Bull either
Sainz also complained that he had to wait behind Leclerc when changing a wheel. He felt it was best for them to stay outside during the Virtual Safety Car. “I’m sure the team had a reason to put us on the same strategy. If not, I don’t know…” he said when asked about the tactic.
According to him, the consequences were dire. “I lost six or seven seconds and couldn’t get positions. I played the team guy, but it’s a pity they stopped me after that. Then I had to hit the intermediate tire and overtake, and that’s when I crossed the track limits.”
Carlos Sainz (Photo: Ferrari)Interestingly, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner was also baffled by Ferrari’s twin wheel change.
We thought they would swap tactics. To be honest, of course there wasn’t much they could do today, and they must have tried to deal with their rivals in a sporty way. Anyway, they made our job a little easier.”
said the British.
According to Vasseur, there was a simple explanation for why Sainz lost so much time and position during the VSC: they were unlucky with the timing, not being able to react on the first lap of the VSC, and on the second they had already slipped a bit of time gain. “The VSC came into effect when we crossed the pit lane line. Then it ended when we were already in the pits. So it was about five seconds early or late…”
“We can’t influence everything, including the start of the Safety Car. Everyone is doing the best job they can.” He said.
It will be reviewed whether it is the right choice to stand up at the same time.
Carlos Sainz (Photo: Ferrari)Vasseur stressed that Ferrari is on an upward trajectory, and the Austrian race only confirms this. “After Canada, we are still on the right track, already for the second race in a row. This is the right direction and I want the team to keep that momentum.”
Sainz was less comfortable with this after the race.
“I’m just frustrated. There have been a few races where I was really fast, and I wish I could have put that to better use, because this year I’m really fast, especially in the races. I feel like I’ve made a lot of progress and that fourth place isn’t bad today, I just feel That a second or third is within reach.”
“I am satisfied with my performance, I was able to overtake and defend well, I handled the tires well while attacking. That’s why I’m very upset, because it’s hard for me to see the positives in fourth place, given my pace, overtaking and defending. I’m driving in condition Good and I’m frustrated that I didn’t get the most out of it.” – Valuable.
And then he didn’t even receive the news that his fourth rank ranked sixth…
