Ferrari Boss Stands Firm on Australian GP Strategy Despite Mercedes Dominance
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has emphatically defended his team's contentious strategic call during the Australian Grand Prix, stating he has "no regrets" despite Mercedes securing a commanding one-two finish. The Scuderia opted against pitting both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton early under a Virtual Safety Car, a move that ultimately proved costly as George Russell and Kimi Antonelli clinched victory and second place for Mercedes.
The Critical Lap 12 Decision
On lap 12 of the 58-lap race at Albert Park, Mercedes executed a decisive double pit stop under the Virtual Safety Car, saving precious seconds. Ferrari, however, kept both Leclerc – who had stormed from fourth to lead – and Hamilton out on track. Leclerc did not make his sole stop until lap 25, while Hamilton pitted only after Russell had overtaken him for the lead on lap 28.
"I think at this stage of the race, nobody was expecting to do a one-stop," Vasseur explained to assembled media in Melbourne. "We targeted the optimum option, and the optimum was to extend." The Frenchman admitted surprise at Mercedes' tyre longevity, conceding their pace was superior.
Hamilton's Frustration and Vasseur's Defence
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was visibly frustrated over team radio during the race, though he was more measured in post-race comments. Vasseur elaborated that Ferrari did not believe Mercedes could reach the finish after pitting so early.
"I have no regret on the strategy," Vasseur stated firmly. "With the second VSC, we were a bit unlucky as the pit lane entry was closed when we could have pitted. It is what it is and now we are focusing on the next race."
A Thrilling Start Overshadowed by Strategic Gamble
Ferrari had begun the race spectacularly, with Leclerc charging from fourth to first and Hamilton climbing from seventh to third. The opening ten laps featured an electrifying duel between Leclerc and Russell before the VSC intervention shifted momentum irrevocably towards Mercedes.
Vasseur sought positives, highlighting the race's entertainment value: "For the sport this was a very good race. There were some pessimistic comments about this new Formula 1 going into the season and I think today's race start and then the first ten laps were the most exciting we have witnessed in the past ten years."
He added: "We can be positive, because we know where we need to improve, even if we know it will be a challenge." Ferrari now travels to China, where they suffered a double disqualification last season, still seeking their first victory since October 2024 after settling for third and fourth in Australia.
