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 Hughes
Share
mmd-austria-header.png

Max 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

Unlock this exclusive F1 content and more with F1 Unlocked (It's FREE!)

Membership gets you closer with:

  • Exclusive, specially curated insider content
  • Live the F1 life: Exclusive access & VIP experiences
  • Exclusive member benefits, rewards & offers
Explore F1 Unlocked

Already have an account?

Sign In

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

Coming Up

Coming Up

Report

FP1: Norris sets the pace during first practice in Bahrain as six rookies join the action