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Vasseur backs Sainz’s Suzuka call that split Mercedes
Ferrari’s team principal, Frederic Vasseur, praised Carlos Sainz for his strategic decision-making during the Japanese Grand Prix, in which he pushed the team to adopt a different strategy to take on Mercedes. Sainz opted to go long on his middle stint to create a tire advantage for the closing stint, even though Lewis Hamilton was initially ahead. Despite narrowly missing out on overtaking Hamilton for fifth place, Sainz’s decision helped close the gap between Ferrari and Mercedes in the Constructors’ Championship. Vasseur commended Sainz for his decisive calls, stating that the first pitstop was crucial in keeping Hamilton at bay, and the second stop was a strategically sound move. Sainz himself suggested extending the stint to gain a tire advantage in the final laps, acknowledging that just copying Hamilton’s strategy would not be enough to pass him. While they ultimately fell short, Vasseur believed Sainz made the right call.
Source: RacingNews 365
