P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Sainz: Better F1 car the biggest factor behind Ferrari strategy jump
Ferrari’s strategic decisions at the Japanese Grand Prix received praise, as Charles Leclerc’s successful one-stop strategy helped him climb from eighth to fourth place. Carlos Sainz’s longer second stint on medium tires paid off as well, allowing him to move up to third with fresher hard tires for the final stretch. Sainz acknowledged the improvements in Ferrari’s strategy department over the past seasons but credited the significant gains to the car’s improved race pace with its SF-24 model. The team’s advancements in resolving last year’s race performance issues have made a significant difference, preventing Leclerc and Sainz from dropping in the standings despite strong qualifications. Sainz highlighted that the car’s better tire management and increased flexibility have made Ferrari’s strategies more effective this year compared to the previous season. Despite facing criticism in the past for strategy decisions, the team’s improved car performance has made it easier to execute successful strategies and showcase the drivers’ abilities without being hampered by tire degradation.
