At the end of the 2023 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix in Austin, Scuderia Ferarri team principal Frederic Vasseur commented on the Maranello team’s race, admitting to making a mistake. The Italian side was the only team to opt for a single pit stop strategy for one of their drivers, Charles Leclerc, differentiating it from his teammate Carlos Sainz. However, this choice turned out to be a complete own goal.
Interviewed at the end of the race in Austin, Fred Vasseur addressed the decision, saying: “Of course, we have regrets. We started in pole, and we can’t be happy with the fourth and sixth positions. Everything went very well for Carlos, but with Charles, we chose the wrong strategy and compromised his race. We asked them to switch positions so that Charles could save some time against George Russell.” – the French manager explained at the end of the United States Grand Prix.
The Scuderia Ferrari team principal continued, expressing worrying phrases that reveal the chaos reigning in Maranello. “We couldn’t decide on the strategy for Charles, and that’s where we went wrong. We should have been better prepared. In reality, he managed his tires very well, but we were the only ones on a one-stop strategy, so it didn’t work.” – the Ferrari boss admitted.
Source: f1ingenerale