Ferrari boss hails team for key strategic move in Q2 at Suzuka | 2022 Japan GP. Ferrari boss hails team for key strategic move in Q2.

One of the key moments of the qualifying session for the 2022 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix took place in Q2, with Ferrari having ventured – together with Max Verstappen – a courageous move. In fact, both Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz completed only one attempt in Q2, taking to the track with used soft tires.

The risk inherent in this choice is the improvement of the track which usually occurs in the second attempt and which could have played some tricks on the two drivers of the Maranello team. Instead, both Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc – albeit with some thrills for the Monegasque – passed the cut, thus preserving an extra set of new tires for the race tomorrow.

This gamble of the Italian side, useful in a strategic key point in view of tomorrow, was highlighted with satisfaction by Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto, who spoke in a flash interview with Sky Sport F1 a few moments before the start of Q3:

“We showed a great strength of character passing into Q3 with used tires” – underlined the boss of the Ferrari wall, who remained working at Maranello this weekend – “We knew that the track would improve by three tenths in the last attempt. But we also knew we could stay there and it was a risk worth taking. We now have new soft to use in the race in track conditions that may be slightly wet. We think it could be a big advantage for us. So the risk was worth it”.

Show your support for Scuderia Ferrari with official merchandise collection! Click here to enter the F1 online Store and shop securely! And also get your F1 tickets for every race with VIP hospitality and unparalleled insider access. Click here for the best offers to support Charles and Carlos from the track!

Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto then drew a comparison with the difficult weekend at Spa, underlining the evident steps forward made by Ferrari since then: “A comparison with Spa? Yes, after Monza and Singapore we wanted to do another test here. The track is more ‘concrete’ than Monza and Singapore, which are more specific. Here we waited for feedback that for now we received. Tomorrow in the race tire degradation will play an important role.” concluded Mattia Binotto.