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Ferrari’s decision not to pit either Charles Leclerc or Lewis Hamilton at a crucial moment didn’t backfire the way many expected.
The Australian Grand Prix proved to be a positive outing for Ferrari, as they finished third and fourth right behind the overwhelming favourites, Mercedes.
Charles Leclerc managed to earn a podium finish, while Lewis Hamilton was right behind him in fourth place.
Here’s your top three from the Australian Grand Prix! Were you surprised by the podium finishers?
Hamilton’s radio messages with Ferrari showed a renewed enthusiasm, as he finally feels like a threat on the track since joining the iconic team.
However, Ferrari’s pit stop strategy error proved to be costly, as it opened the window for Mercedes to swoop in and end the race with a one-two finish.
READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton believes he could have overtaken Charles Leclerc with a ‘couple more laps’
Marc Priestley hints Ferrari escaped pit stop error despite lack of ‘clinical’ decision making
Former McLaren mechanic Marc Priestley spoke on the Chequered Flag podcast about what he saw from Ferrari at the Australian Grand Prix.
While he does think Ferrari not recognising the virtual safety car as an opportune moment to pit either car was a mistake, the difference between them and Mercedes may have spared them some blushes.
“It’s actually really difficult to say. I do think it was a mistake not to pit. I think, at least with one car, that was a real opportunity.”
“Whether they had enough pace to really take it to Mercedes, I just don’t know. And I’m not sure even they know. So, maybe, they kind of got away with it, in that sense.”
“But I still think, if it was the mistake that we think it is, it’s another example of Ferrari just not quite being clean and clinical with their decision making from the pit wall.”
READ MORE: Damon Hill says Lewis Hamilton already looks ‘more racy’ and sends message to George Russell
Mercedes claim a one-two finish to start F1’s new era! Which driver stands out from the top 10 of the Australian Grand Prix?
Let us know in the comments below!
Ferrari must use positive momentum to address strategy errors
While the pit stop failure did potentially cost Ferrari a chance at two podium finishes and a possible race win, there are still many positives for them to take away from the Australian Grand Prix.
Leclerc admitted Ferrari weren’t far behind Mercedes in terms of pace, which will give them confidence when it comes to the remainder of the season.
Lewis Hamilton’s renewed competitiveness gives them a new edge, as Ferrari now have a viable driver pairing to compete for both championships.
It’s time for Ferrari to quickly address their shortcomings from Sunday’s race, as they have their best chance in years to compete at the highest level after years of disappointment.
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