The major challenge of the finale round of the 2023 Formula 1 season was between Scuderia Ferrari and Mercedes. For this reason, in the final stages of the Abu Dhabi GP, Charles Leclerc tried to imitate the strategy used by Carlos Sainz in Singapore.
During the Marina Bay victory weekend, the Spanish driver had held Lando Norris in the DRS zone to allow the McLaren driver to defend against George Russell. This way, the Ferrari driver avoided the comeback of the two Mercedes, managing to secure the only non-Red Bull victory of the season.
In the last laps of the Yas Marina race, Charles Leclerc tried to replicate what his Maranello teammate had done. Ferrari needed to gain four points compared to Mercedes to finish in second place in the constructors’ championship. However, the penalty received by Sergio Perez made things more difficult, as the Mexican could have been the only ally for the Scuderia.
For this reason, Charles Leclerc repeatedly asked to be informed about the gap between Russell and Perez. The intention was to let the Red Bull driver pass, hoping that he could gain the five seconds needed to stay ahead of Russell.
“Tell me the gap between Checo and Russell. If it’s less than five seconds, I’ll give him a tow and let him pass,” were Charles Leclerc’s words on the team radio.
However, it wasn’t enough, as the final gap between the Mexican and George Russell was about four seconds, and Scuderia Ferrari thus concluded a very challenging 2023 in third place.
Source: f1ingenerale
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