Charles Leclerc has questioned a Ferrari strategy decision during the Dutch Grand Prix that potentially cost him a podium finish at Zandvoort. The Monegasque driver ultimately finished fifth, but believes he had a shot at the top three.
The call in question was his pitstop at the end of lap 43, which left him with no real weapons to battle George Russell for third in the closing stages. Leclerc was within a second of Russell before the Mercedes driver dived into the pitlane at the end of lap 40 – and could have extended his stint to create an offset in tyre life. Instead, Ferrari pitted him just three laps after Russell.
“I was very surprised to box so early when we had done exactly what we wanted,” Leclerc said after the race. “George was pitting and so that was the time for us to do five, ten laps longer to build a tyre delta and to come back at the end on George. Unfortunately, two laps later I was told to box, which I did I think three laps later.”
The strategy that worked was demonstrated by Lando Norris, who was stuck behind Kimi Antonelli for almost the entire race but made his last stop seven laps later than the Italian – then quickly closed the gap and overtook the Mercedes for the lead.
One contributing factor to Ferrari's decision may have been Lewis Hamilton. On a different strategy, the seven-time world champion caught up with Leclerc at a crucial moment and demanded the team swap the cars around. While it's unclear if that prompted the pit call, Leclerc confirmed he wanted to stay out.
“I need to review the way the situation was looking,” he said, “but I was happy to go longer.”
The incident adds to Ferrari's strategic headaches as they battle in the constructors' championship. With every point crucial, Leclerc will be eager to ensure no opportunities are missed in the races ahead.
Baca Juga
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