Ferrari Formula 1 team principal Fred Vasseur has explained the decision behind why Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton did not pit under the Virtual Safety Car (VSC) during the Australian Grand Prix. Despite losing the lead to Mercedes due to this strategy, Leclerc’s strong start from fourth on the grid saw him leading the race at Albert Park. The battle for the top spot with George Russell continued in the opening laps.
When the VSC was initiated after Isack Hadjar’s Red Bull stopped on lap 11, Mercedes decided to pit, while Ferrari opted to stay out. Hamilton voiced concerns over the team radio, suggesting that at least one of them should have pitted. Another VSC period was triggered when Valtteri Bottas retired on lap 16, causing chaos in the pitlane as the entry was closed due to the location of the stricken car.
Eventually, Leclerc made a pitstop on lap 25, followed by Hamilton on lap 28. Mercedes capitalized on their advantage to secure a 1-2 finish. Vasseur acknowledged that Mercedes’ pace was faster than Ferrari, even after they pitted. Despite finishing third and fourth, Vasseur affirmed that he had no regrets about the strategy and pace and is already focusing on the next race in China.
