In a thrilling turn of events, Frederic Vasseur, the mastermind behind Ferrari’s controversial team orders at the Miami Grand Prix, has come forward to defend the “Ferrari first” strategy that left drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton fuming. Despite the uproar from the drivers, Vasseur stands by the decision and refutes any claims of indecision in the heat of the race.
During the intense battle on the track, Ferrari made a bold move to swap positions between Leclerc and Hamilton, aiming to give the Briton a chance to chase down Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes. The high-stakes gamble, however, did not pay off as Hamilton struggled to make significant gains, leading to Leclerc being reinstated in seventh place. The frustration was palpable among both drivers, with Hamilton criticizing the timing of the team’s decisions and Leclerc feeling uneasy about the proximity of Carlos Sainz.
Vasseur, undeterred by the backlash, defended Ferrari’s team policy, emphasizing the team’s commitment to putting Ferrari’s interests above all else. He explained, “We are racing for Ferrari first. Honestly, I think as a team, we did a good job.” Despite the criticism, Vasseur maintained that the decision-making process was thorough and calculated, aimed at determining whether the trailing car was genuinely faster or merely benefiting from DRS assistance.
Addressing the perceived delays in making the call to swap drivers, Vasseur clarified that Ferrari was analyzing crucial data to make an informed decision. He pointed out that the team radio broadcasts, managed by FOM, occasionally caused delays in communication, creating a misleading impression of the situation. Vasseur’s unwavering defense of Ferrari’s tactics underscores the team’s unwavering commitment to strategic gameplay in the high-pressure world of Formula 1.
As the dust settles on the Miami Grand Prix drama, Vasseur’s resolute stance serves as a reminder of the cutthroat nature of elite motorsport and the fierce competition that drives teams to make split-second decisions in pursuit of victory. The clash of egos and ambitions on the track only adds to the adrenaline-fueled spectacle that keeps fans on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next twist in this thrilling saga of speed, strategy, and supremacy.