Scuderia Ferrari’s team principal, Frederic Vasseur, has come out in defense of the team’s aggressive strategy with Lewis Hamilton at the Belgian Grand Prix. The 57-year-old addressed the media after the Spa-Francorchamps event, shedding light on the bold approach taken by the Italian outfit.
Hamilton, starting from the pit lane due to a disappointing qualifying session, made a crucial early switch from intermediate tires to slick medium tires. Despite starting in P16, the seven-time world champion’s decision propelled him to seventh place by the end of the race. This daring move not only salvaged what had been a challenging weekend for Hamilton but also secured valuable points for the team.
Vasseur explained the reasoning behind the strategy, stating, “The situation is that we were degrading the inters a lot and we were far away from the crossover [where slicks become faster] just because the inters were a disaster – they were completely gone. You put on a new set of inters, you are also six seconds faster.” He further added, “But I think it was the right call at the right moment – a bit aggressive.”
The strategy not only benefited Hamilton but also continued his streak of scoring points for Ferrari since joining the team at the beginning of the season.
Reflecting on his performance at the Belgian Grand Prix, Hamilton likened his overtakes to his early days in karting. He expressed his enjoyment of the challenge of making his way through the field, reminiscent of his humble beginnings at Rye House. Despite a tough weekend, Hamilton acknowledged the team’s efforts and the importance of scoring points.
Hamilton’s impressive display saw him complete the most overtakes of the weekend and earned him the title of Driver of the Day as voted by the fans. Looking ahead, the 40-year-old will aim to deliver a stronger performance at the upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix, a track where he has a history of success with nine pole positions and multiple race victories.
In conclusion, Ferrari’s bold strategy paid off at the Belgian Grand Prix, showcasing their ability to make decisive calls in challenging situations. Hamilton’s resilient performance and determination to climb through the field highlighted his skills as a driver. As the team prepares for the next race, all eyes will be on Hamilton to continue his impressive form and secure more valuable points for Ferrari.
