FeatureF1 Unlocked
MONDAY MORNING DEBRIEF: The key strategy call came on Lap 14 in Austria, so who got it right – Red Bull or Ferrari?
Special Contributor
Mark HughesMax Verstappen could probably have won the Austrian Grand Prix any way he liked. He was already dominating the race, over 5 seconds in the lead on the 14th lap, when he and Red Bull faced a moment of decision about how to react to the Virtual Safety Car thrown when Nico Hulkenberg's Haas broke down.
Verstappen and the two Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz were already past the pit entry when it came, but most of those behind took the decision to pit, thus saving time over a normal pit stop taken with the field at full racing speed. The VSC was still in force as the lead trio came by on the next lap and this time the two Ferraris came in – but Verstappen stayed out.
READ MORE: Verstappen beats Leclerc for victory in Austria to make it five wins in a row
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
News Tsunoda assesses future F1 options as long-time backers Honda get set for Aston Martin tie-up
News Brown reveals Stella didn't initially feel he was ready to be McLaren Team Principal as he hails his leadership
News Barcelona Fan Festival announced ahead of this year’s Spanish Grand Prix
News Mercedes provide update on Imola upgrades as they identify issue ‘blunting the benefit’ of new parts