Leclerc Calls for Ferrari 'Review' After Vegas Strategy Confusion with Piastri
Charles Leclerc has confirmed Ferrari will review its strategy after a 'very frustrating' Las Vegas Grand Prix. A pit stop oversight allowed Oscar Piastri to undercut him, causing Leclerc to lose track position. While he was later promoted to fourth due to McLaren disqualifications, the incident underscores Ferrari's ongoing need to refine their race strategy to convert strong on-track performance into optimal results.
Charles Leclerc has confirmed that Ferrari will conduct a "review" of its strategy following a "very frustrating" Las Vegas Grand Prix, where a pit stop miscalculation saw him lose track position to Oscar Piastri.
Why it matters:
Ferrari's consistent struggle with optimal race strategy has often hampered strong performances, and this latest incident in Las Vegas highlights a recurring issue. Addressing these strategic missteps is crucial for the Scuderia to convert raw pace into consistent points and challenge for championships.
The Details:
- Leclerc started ninth and initially finished sixth, before being promoted to fourth after the disqualification of both McLarens.
- He had a strong opening, overtaking Oscar Piastri for sixth on Lap 12 and then Isack Hadjar to reach fifth.
- Pit Stop Blunder: While other drivers pitted, Leclerc stayed out for two additional laps, which allowed Piastri to undercut him.
- Leclerc never managed to regain the position on track from Piastri, expressing surprise at finding the McLaren driver ahead after his stop.
- Post-race, Leclerc stated, "I don't really understand what happened around the pit stop, but it seems that we've lost quite a few places, so we'll look back at that whether we could have done something better."
Looking Ahead:
The strategic review is a critical step for Ferrari to iron out inconsistencies in their race management. If Leclerc had emerged ahead of Piastri, he likely would have finished higher, potentially even ahead of Kimi Antonelli, who preserved old tires to the finish. Resolving these strategic issues will be vital for Ferrari as they push to maximize their car's potential in future races and sustain a challenge at the front.