Ferrari explains controversial Hamilton call after VSC gamble backfires in Hungary

The Ferrari team principal explained that the decision was influenced by Max Verstappen’s stint on the soft tyres, with the team using the Red Bull driver’s pace to assess whether the compound could deliver until the chequered flag.

Hamilton, who had moved into the podium positions with fewer than 20 laps remaining, was called into the pits following a brief VSC triggered by Oscar Piastri’s gearbox failure with 16 laps left in the race. The timing of the VSC prompted Ferrari to react, with Hamilton switching tyres and surrendering track position to Verstappen, who had been locked in a battle with the Briton throughout the race at the Hungaroring.

Asked about the decision, particularly after Hamilton questioned the call, Vasseur defended Ferrari’s strategy, insisting the team’s priority was to maximise its overall result: “We realised, I think, 20 laps before the end that the soft was not that bad. We used Max’s stint, and we decided to go for the soft because we had the oldest [tyres] on the field. We were behind after the start, so we tried to do the undercut and put the tyres on very early. You have to make decisions before the others.”

“We had to do the same today, and we tried to push with the soft tyre until the end,” Vasseur told GPblog and other media outlets in Hungary.

Vasseur also reflected on Ferrari’s disappointing overall performance at the Hungarian Grand Prix, admitting the team needs to improve its execution on race Sundays. Ferrari entered the weekend as one of the favourites for victory, with the characteristics of the Hungaroring expected to suit the SF-26. The Italian outfit appeared to be on course for a strong result after leading both opening practice sessions.

However, the weekend ultimately turned into a frustrating one, with Ferrari not only missing out on victory but also failing to secure a place on the podium. When asked why the team struggled to convert its early pace into a strong race result, Vasseur admitted Ferrari made too many errors throughout Sunday’s action.