Leclerc’s Strategy Mistake at the US GP
The Monegasque driver started from pole position and had a challenging race at the United States Grand Prix. Despite initially losing out to both Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc stood out as the only driver in the field to opt for a one-stop strategy.
As the race unfolded, Leclerc eventually slipped back to sixth place. However, his final position became insignificant when he was later disqualified due to a plank infringement.
On the other hand, Leclerc’s teammate Carlos Sainz, who started from fourth on the grid, followed the rest of the field by making more than one pit stop to change tires throughout the race.
Although Leclerc’s decision to go for a one-stop strategy initially seemed like a potential advantage, it ultimately proved to be a costly mistake. With the intense competition and challenging track conditions, the additional pit stops taken by other drivers gave them a competitive edge.
Leclerc’s momentary lead early in the race quickly diminished as he struggled to maintain pace on aging tires. The strategic miscalculation arguably hindered his chances of achieving a stronger finishing position.
While Ferrari admitted that Leclerc’s strategy was a mistake, the team praised his determination and skill in managing to stay in contention despite the setback. The result serves as a reminder of the importance of carefully analyzing race conditions and making strategic decisions that align with the team’s objectives.