The race on the Las Vegas circuit was extremely thrilling and left no room for breath. Many pit stops and overtakes have been dictated by graining and excessive tire degradation, particularly of the Medium tires within the early a part of the race. It was clear from yesterday that we have been heading towards such a state of affairs. With the observe rendered “inexperienced” by the reopening of the streets to metropolis visitors between Saturday and Sunday and the low temperatures, it was inevitable.
For that reason, we had already predicted a two-stop race moderately than a single cease as Pirelli urged. Groups anticipated this by saving two units of Onerous C3 compound tires. The white tire carried out considerably higher than the C4. But, drivers who opted to make use of it within the early laps, whereas initially gaining a bonus over others, needed to swap to a two-stop technique on account of graining, which additionally affected this compound.
We needed to wait till the ultimate a part of the GP for the laborious tire to point out its full potential. The observe rubbered in, and regardless of the asphalt temperature of 17°C (the best of the weekend), drivers managed the C3 significantly better towards the tip. Lap instances turned aggressive and constant over stints longer than 20 laps.
Strategic Recap
Earlier than addressing Ferrari’s errors, let’s briefly overview the methods utilized by the drivers through the race.
The profitable technique employed by Russell and favored by most was Medium-Onerous-Onerous, executed by George, Hamilton, Sainz, Leclerc, Verstappen, Piastri, Hulkenberg, Tsunoda, Zhou, Stroll, and Lawson. Norris might have completed with the identical method however opted for a 3rd cease to suit Mushy tires on the final second to safe the bonus level for the quickest lap: 1’34’’874, setting a brand new circuit race document (beforehand held by Piastri in 2023 with 1’35’’490).
Sergio Perez climbed from P16 to P10 utilizing a Onerous-Medium-Onerous technique (maybe executing the race’s greatest overtake, passing each Magnussen and Lawson in a single transfer). Colapinto and Bottas additionally used this tactic. Alonso completed exterior the factors after selecting S-H-H, forcing an early cease on lap 4. Factors may need been doable for the Spaniard had he began on Mediums. Ocon opted for M-H-S, and Magnussen was the one one with a single-stop Medium-Onerous technique. Beginning twelfth and ending twelfth, the Danish Haas driver couldn’t match Hulkenberg, who, on two stops, scored factors and overtook Tsunoda, who had outqualified him on Saturday (Friday in Las Vegas).
The race additionally noticed two retirements on account of technical causes: Gasly and Albon.
Ferrari’s Quite a few Errors, a Lacking Pit Wall
The SF-24 had the potential to win the race, no less than when it comes to velocity. Leclerc demonstrated this by persistently battling Hamilton for the quickest laps. Nonetheless, a number of points plagued Ferrari’s efficiency.
The one factor carried out proper was the beginning. Charles Leclerc overtook Pierre Gasly and Carlos Sainz instantly, slotting behind Russell. Each Ferraris have been just about on the rostrum, chasing Mercedes’ #63.
The primary mistake got here from Charles. The Monegasque driver turned overzealous. Whereas he had tempo on the Medium C4 tires, he uncared for tire administration, trying to assault Russell. On lap 4, throughout one such try, he ran broad, compromising his first stint’s rhythm. From this second, the tires started shedding temperature, resulting in graining. Charles misplaced contact with Russell and confronted strain from Carlos. When the scenario turned irretrievable, each Sainz and Verstappen overtook him—a state of affairs Ferrari ought to have managed higher.
The second error got here from the pit wall, which delayed Leclerc’s pit cease determination. By the point Charles pitted on lap 10, he was 10 seconds behind Russell.
Even Sainz struggled with Medium tire tempo. By lap 9, Russell was nonetheless lapping within the low 1’38’’ vary, whereas Sainz managed 1’39’’5, Verstappen 1’39’’0, Leclerc 1’41’’8, and Norris 1’40’’5. The sudden tempo drop additionally affected Carlos, who pitted on lap 11 after lapping at 1’40’’5, gifting extra seconds to Russell.
Ferrari did not intervene as Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc engaged in a battle, costing valuable time. Carlos had the higher hand and may have been allowed to chase George.
The second stint was much more sophisticated. Carlos Sainz pushed laborious, whereas Leclerc adopted a extra cautious method, trailing his teammate. By lap 25, Sainz, Charles, and Hamilton have been inside 2 seconds. Leclerc, sooner than Sainz, wasn’t allowed to cross—one other driver administration error. Carlos lastly let him by means of on lap 28.
At that second, Max Verstappen, 2.5 seconds forward of Charles Leclerc, pitted. Sainz, fighting tires, tried to comply with Max however was ordered to remain out after coming into the pit lane. Ferrari wasn’t prepared for the cease, forcing Carlos right into a maneuver the FIA fortunately selected to not penalize.
Lewis Hamilton demonstrated that this was the best time to cease, profiting from contemporary Hards to overhaul Max and safe second place, ending 7 seconds behind Russell. Ferrari’s fifth error was failing to copy this name.
Within the remaining stint, Leclerc was a lot sooner than Carlos Sainz however couldn’t capitalize on account of one other late cease that left him behind his teammate. Carlos then blocked him once more, persevering with an pointless confrontation. Collectively, they managed to overhaul Verstappen, with Sainz ending on the rostrum and Leclerc in fourth.
Ferrari’s efficiency left the impression that issues might have gone a lot in another way. Mercedes was robust, however with fewer errors, Ferrari might have simply secured a double podium and even victory. As a substitute, the day highlighted the crew’s lack of ability to optimize pit stops and driver administration.
Christmas Comes Early for Ferrari
It appears Ferrari is already within the Christmas spirit, giving freely presents. McLaren thanks them. Regardless of missing tempo, shedding solely 12 factors looks like a win, contemplating Qatar and Abu Dhabi are anticipated to favor the papaya-colored automobile’s traits.
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