According to Ferrari team boss Frederic Vasseur, Ferrari’s biggest problem last race weekend was the performance on the hard tyre compound. This, combined with less favourable grid positions, ultimately led to a subpar end result for the team.
Following a disappointing qualifying session, both Ferrari drivers struggled at the start of the race, with George Russell overtaking them in the initial corners. This forced them to play catch up throughout the race, ultimately putting them too far back to contend for a podium finish.
“Losing positions at the start was not ideal, and we found ourselves behind Sergio Perez and Lando Norris after our pit stops, finishing the race behind them as well,” Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur commented.
“I believe our downfall came in the final stint. Carlos was somewhat unlucky with the timing of his pit stop, coming in a few laps before the virtual safety car and actual safety car periods.”
“He was a bit cautious at the start of his long stint on the hard tyres, but managed it well towards the end of the race.”
Vasseur attributes Ferrari’s poorer performance on Sunday to their lower starting positions on the grid, which were a direct result of their lacklustre qualifying session.
“Our starting positions on the grid definitely set us back,” stated Vasseur. “We were slightly more competitive on the medium tyre compared to the hard tyre over the weekend.”
“We had a good handle on the medium tyre compound but struggled more with the hard compound, losing ground in the process.”