The Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 team recently broke its silence on the controversy surrounding Charles Leclerc’s car being underweight during the Chinese Grand Prix. The incident, which led to a disqualification, has now been chalked up to excessive tyre wear experienced during the unexpected one-stop race.
The team’s top guns, Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, performed admirably on the Shanghai International Circuit, finishing fifth and sixth respectively. However, the jubilation was short-lived as the duo was disqualified post the race. Ferrari quickly found itself under scrutiny, with critics questioning the team’s adherence to rules and regulations.
In response, the Prancing Horse team has now attributed the underweight issue to “excessive tyre wear” during the race. The Chinese Grand Prix, known for its unpredictable conditions, saw an unanticipated one-stop race this year, which Ferrari believes led to the unexpected tyre wear and subsequent weight loss.
However, the team didn’t just stop at explaining Leclerc’s underweight car. They also owned up to another significant oversight- the misjudgement of Lewis Hamilton’s skid wear. The team admitted to underestimating the impact of skid wear on Hamilton’s performance, contributing to their less-than-ideal race day.
This recent revelation from Ferrari not only underscores the critical role that accurate judgement and foresight play in the high-stakes world of Formula 1 racing but also throws light on the myriad challenges teams face on the track. The team’s candid admission is a reminder that even the most experienced and celebrated teams can falter under unpredictable racing conditions.
As the dust settles on the Chinese Grand Prix, the Ferrari team will undoubtedly be taking these lessons to heart. With the racing world watching closely, how they bounce back from this setback could set the tone for the rest of their season.
