In the Chequered Flag-podcast From BBC, former Formula 1 driver Jolyon Palmer indicates that it might be even more difficult for Charles Leclerc that Carlos Sainz won the race. Leclerc himself indicated that it was a normal choice not to make a pit stop, but that it did not work out in his favor. Palmer is critical of Ferrari, noting the frustration with the Monegask.
‘What a race. Leclerc is getting better this year, after a difficult start. He was the strongest driver for Ferrari at Silverstone. Even with the damage to his front wing, Leclerc was faster than Sainz. He should have won the race. However, Ferrari chose to pit Sainz and keep Leclerc out. A strange decision because the Monegask is the most important man in the championship for the team,” Palmer begins his analysis.
‘Then you also have the question, shouldn’t they let Leclerc pass Sainz earlier in the race? Ferrari management will have to answer some questions about that. Leclerc wasn’t too happy about it, and I think he will be very unhappy about it. It’s not good enough if you want to win a title. It might be even harder for Leclerc that Sainz won, because that was the strategy he should have been on,” said the Englishman, who speaks plainly.
“It was a normal choice not to make a pit stop”
De Monegask himself indicated in an interview in the podcast that it was a normal choice not to make a pit stop: ‘Emotions are still high so soon after the race, the disappointment is great. Part of me is happy for Sainz. It’s his first win and a great day for him. From my side it is of course a bit disappointing.’
“The car was a bit broken from the start after the second corner, but we were really fast after that. We were able to ensure that we were in the lead before the safety car. Everything looked good, the speed was good. Then the safety car comes, and we decide to stay outside. Sainz does make a pit stop, which is a normal thing to do. With one car you maintain the position, and with the other you make a pit stop. It didn’t work out in my favor. That is ashame.’
Ferrari does not maximize huge opportunity
Palmer is critical of Ferrari, saying they failed to maximize the opportunity presented by Max Verstappen’s problems. “Red Bull Racing is very strong and they make few mistakes. They were on their way to win this race until Verstappen got into trouble. The moment a bit of luck comes your way, you have to grab that opportunity as a Ferrari with Leclerc. If they want to win a title, Leclerc is the one to do it. Sainz had a good day today, but will not give the team a title.’
