Ferrari explained why it decided not to pit during the Virtual Safety Car period at the Australian Grand Prix, even though the decision eventually helped Mercedes win the race.
During the early laps, Charles Leclerc made a strong start and took the lead, battling with George Russell for first place. The two drivers exchanged the lead several times in the opening part of the race.
On lap 11, a problem with Isack Hadjar’s Red Bull triggered a Virtual Safety Car. While Mercedes quickly brought its cars into the pits for new tyres, Ferrari decided to keep both Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton on track.
Ferrari team boss Frédéric Vasseur said the team believed their tyres were still strong and expected more safety-car periods later in the race that could provide a better moment to pit.
Another VSC appeared later, but Ferrari could not use it because the pit-lane entry was temporarily closed while marshals cleared a stopped car.
Because Ferrari had to pit later under normal racing conditions, Mercedes gained a big advantage and went on to secure a one-two finish in the race.