Ferrari Boss’s Controversial Move: Vasseur’s Clash with Leclerc Shocks Fans
In a shocking turn of events, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur made waves by revealing his private conversation with driver Charles Leclerc after a heated dispute over strategy during the Canada Grand Prix. Vasseur disclosed that he had a stern message for Leclerc, emphasizing that while the idea of a one-stop strategy was valid, Ferrari deemed it too risky and opted for a two-stop plan instead.
The tension between Leclerc and the Ferrari team escalated when the driver, making his first pit stop on Lap 27, found himself confused as the team switched his hard tires for another set of hards, pushing him into the two-stop strategy territory. This move inadvertently exposed Ferrari’s intentions to rival McLaren in the battle for P4.
Leclerc’s frustration was palpable as he questioned the team’s decision over the radio, expressing his disbelief by stating, “I don’t understand this choice. The tyres were fine!” Despite Leclerc’s insistence on sticking to “Plan C,” which involved a one-stop strategy, the team stood firm on their “Plan B.”
As the race unfolded, Leclerc faced further challenges as he was advised to conserve fuel, leading to a series of exchanges between him and his race engineer, Bryan Bozzi. The situation reached a boiling point when Leclerc disagreed with the team’s strategy, highlighting the internal discord within Ferrari during the Grand Prix.
Following the race, Vasseur addressed the media and confirmed that he had a conversation with Leclerc regarding the strategic differences. He acknowledged Leclerc’s outspoken nature but defended Ferrari’s cautious approach, citing the team’s need to mitigate risks in the competitive environment of Formula 1.
Despite the aftermath of the strategy clash, Leclerc stood by his belief that a one-stop strategy would have been the optimal choice. However, he admitted that other factors, such as his crash during practice and a subpar qualifying performance, had a more significant impact on the race’s outcome than the strategic decisions made during the Grand Prix weekend.
As the dust settles on the Canada Grand Prix, the rift between Leclerc and Ferrari has brought to light the challenges faced by the iconic racing team in their quest for success. The intense drama and conflicting strategies have left fans and experts alike questioning the dynamics within the Ferrari camp and the implications for the remainder of the Formula 1 season.