Fred Vasseur explains why Ferrari drivers were sent out on intermediates before Miami Sprint start. Frederic Vasseur explains the decision to send Leclerc and Hamilton out on intermediate tyres during the Miami Sprint.

Charles Leclerc, what a disappointment
Charles Leclerc’s Miami Sprint ended 25 minutes before it even started. No, it’s not a joke, but exactly what happened to the Monegasque driver, who found himself on intermediate tyres in the middle of a downpour during the formation lap heading to the starting grid.
Leclerc crashed heavily into the wall, losing control of his SF-25 on the straight and damaging it to the point that he couldn’t start the Saturday race. In interviews, the Ferrari driver didn’t make any excuses, fully accepting responsibility for the incident.

Fred Vasseur’s words
Before the race, in an interview with Canal+ French broadcasters, Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur explained what happened – specifically, why both Ferrari cars had intermediates instead of full wets during the formation lap: “We went out just as it started to rain. We were already on the pit lane, so we couldn’t change. For Charles, it was a shame. In hindsight, it can be said that it would have been better to let the others go first, but if everyone thinks that way, no one goes out.” – the French manager admitted.

Finally, it’s worth noting a comment from Lewis Hamilton during a radio exchange with his team, specifically about the formation lap: “I don’t know how you sent us out here with intermediates.”