Italian journalists feels Ferrari pit wall error in Canada qualifying caused by "excess of arrogance"

After the great enthusiasm following Charles Leclerc’s splendid victory on the streets of the Principality of Monaco, the qualifying session for the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal brought a cold shower for Scuderia Ferrari. Despite approaching the North American race with decent expectations, they have so far dramatically disappointed and failed to meet the pre-race predictions, not performing at the expected levels and, shockingly, being excluded from Q3 with both cars. Remarkably, both Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz were eliminated from the battle for pole position in Montreal and will be forced to start in 11th and 12th positions, respectively in today’s Canadian Grand Prix at the 4.361-kilometre Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.

A really negative result for the Prancing Horse, due to an SF-24 single-seater that, in fact, on the track dedicated to the memory of Gilles Villeneuve, never gave the impression of having the necessary pace to be in the top positions, both in free practice and in qualifying, showing limits in “warming up” the tires and consequently struggling for grip. Factors that, combined with a risky but undoubtedly questionable pit wall strategy, saw the two drivers sent out in the decisive phases of Q2 on used tires, deciding to save a set of new soft tires despite the forecast of rain for Q3. A mix of factors that, in fact, caused Ferrari’s shocking debacle, from which they will need to recover in the race despite possible points of contention.

A really disappointing session, and much-discussed pit wall tactics, which were commented on by Italian journalist and Ferrari insider Leo Turrini in his blog “Profondo Rosso.” He first highlighted the pit wall’s error, the first of the 2024 Formula 1 season for Ferrari. An error stemming from an incomprehensible decision given the car’s lack of speed.

“This Saturday in Montreal is the first error of the season by Fred Vasseur’s pit wall. Let me explain. With the limits that the SF24 showed in Canada, I don’t think Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz could have fought for pole. […] For this reason, it makes no sense to save a set of tires.” – the Italian journalist pointed out.

A disappointing session that logically caused the anger and bitterness of the two drivers who, along with the fans, will most likely have to face a difficult race and (hopefully) a comeback to do some damage limitation this weekend in Montreal:

“Understandably, both Charles and Carlos were rightfully angry. I believe it was an excess of arrogance. In today’s F1, the differences on the flying lap are minimal. […] The race is different, but in qualifying, you can no longer afford to be arrogant. […] The expectations were obviously of a different kind. Starting so far back is a guarantee of suffering.”