F1 News: Ferrari Chief Defends Chaotic Charles Leclerc Pit Stop
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has defended Charles Leclerc's decision to pit during the first few laps of the Dutch Grand Prix even though the team were not ready with the tyres.
The Monegasque driver decided to pit for intermediate tyres due to the heavy rain which started in the first lap of the race in Zandvoort. The split-second decision meant the team were not ready with the tyres leaving Leclerc sat in the pit lane waiting.
Listen To The Latest Driven Mad Podcast Episode
Although the pitstop looked a shambles from the outside, Vasseur has defended Leclerc's decision. During a post-race interview with the media, Vasseur commented:
“Yes, because the rain was in the last corner and he decided to pit.
"It was a very late call, but I think it was still the right decision because we were in a much better position than before even with the six or seven seconds we lost in the pit lane.
“For sure, if you are 10 seconds behind or five seconds behind and you make the call, it is much easier. But I don’t have to complain about this because it was the right call.”
Ferrari Press Image
Unfortunately, Leclerc ended up having to retire from the race due to damage sustained to the floor of his SF-23. Leclerc's teammate Carlos Sainz went on to cross the line in fifth position picking up ten points for the team and overtaking Leclerc in the drivers' standings.
Leclerc wasn't the only driver to retire from the chaotic race. Logan Sargeant, Zhou Guanyu, and George Russell were also not able to finish the race.
The Maranello-based squad will be looking to turn things around for their home race, the Italian Grand Prix, which will be taking place next weekend.
