Frederic Vasseur voices firm support for Ferrari amidst Charles Leclerc’s pit dilemma at the Dutch GP
Leclerc had to retire from the 2023 Dutch GP due to damage caused by Oscar Piastri’s McLaren.
Follow Us
Frederic Vasseur. (Image via Imago)
Charles Leclerc made an early entrance to the pits at the conclusion of the first lap at Zandvoort, placing him among the initial wave of drivers to do so. Regrettably, Ferrari’s lack of readiness resulted in an approximate 10-second pause in the pit lane. If the team had been prepared, Leclerc might have secured second position, trailing only Sergio Perez. Nevertheless, his adept positioning after pit stops placed him in fifth.
While the pitstop may have appeared chaotic to onlookers, Vasseur staunchly supports Charles Leclerc‘s judgment. Frederic Vasseur explained that Leclerc had chosen to pit due to the rain being present in the final corner. He also noted that while the decision was made quite late, it was still the correct one.
This led to an improved position despite the time lost during the pit stop. Frederic Vasseur mentioned that it would have been simpler if the time gap behind had been larger, but he acknowledged that there was no reason to be discontent since the decision was the appropriate course of action.
“The rain was in the last corner and he decided to pit. It was a very late call, but I think it was still the right decision because we were in a much better position than before even with the six or seven seconds we lost in the pit lane. I don’t have to complain about this because it was the right call,” Frederic Vasseur stated according to Racingnews365.
Pit drama unfolds at Ferrari as rain strikes at the Dutch GP
A sudden and heavy rain shower, occurring at the conclusion of the initial lap in Zandvoort, prompted swift pit action from several drivers. Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez were the first ones to make their tire changes. Their aim was to transition to Intermediate tires for improved grip. However, in a twist of fate, the Ferrari crew found themselves unprepared for Leclerc’s arrival.
His entry was further complicated by front-wing damage, specifically the loss of the right-side end plate due to prior contact on the track. Despite these challenges, Leclerc’s determination was commendable. He ultimately faced the decision to retire due to extensive damage sustained by his SF-23. The Ferrari driver openly acknowledged his role in the gradual pit stop, accepting the responsibility for the delayed tire change.
After qualifying in ninth for the Dutch GP, Leclerc didn’t have much to take home after the race. Leclerc currently sits in P6 in the drivers’ standings with 99 points. However, without securing any podiums this season his teammate Carlos Sainz claims the fifth position in the standings.
In case you missed it:
- Aston Martin hails Fernando Alonso’s race control and survival skills after return to the podium at Dutch GP
- Esteban Ocon slams Alpine’s poor decision for full wet tires at the Dutch Grand Prix
Stay Updated!
/techfirstnow/media/agency_attachments/kATjCXskQdJKkXN0OuqW.png)