An attacking race
The Scuderia went for a decidedly aggressive strategy, based on the cars’ excellent race pace. Charles
overtook Verstappen on track three times and Carlos was equally aggressive. Both men pushed hard right
from the start which forced their rival into quickly wearing out his tyres and making an earlier than planned pit
stop. This gave Charles the edge, running a different strategy to the Dutchman, always catching his rival on
fresher tyres so that he was able to pass him relatively easily. After the second pit stop, Leclerc was back in
the lead. Then, as Carlos came up behind the Dutchman, he had to retire with a power unit problem that
brought out the Virtual Safety Car. The team reacted immediately, bringing Charles in for a set of Medium
tyres, as did his rival, who despite a throttle pedal problem on Charles’ car, was unable to get close enough to
the number 16 F1-75 to pass. This is the Scuderia’s 242nd win, the sixth in Austria. It is the fifth of Charles’
career which, on the list of Ferrari winners, puts him equal with Gerhard Berger, Carlos Reutemann and Alain
Prost.
Brief pause
The Scuderia returns home having enjoyed a very successful pair of races, reducing the gap to its rivals in
both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ championships. The world championship resumes in a fortnight with
another pair of back-to-back races, the French Grand Prix at Le Castellet on 24 July, followed by the
Hungarian race at the Hungaroring, after which comes the summer break.
Charles Leclerc #16
Every win is special, but this one feels just amazing. The last 15 laps were on the limit with the issue we had,
but we brought it home.
Today, we had a really strong pace and some great battles. I worked hard last night to find where I could still
improve and it made the difference today. I’m very happy!
Carlos Sainz #55
It’s difficult to find the right words today, as it was clear that a one-two was pretty straightforward. I had strong
pace today, especially on the hard tyre. Degradation was very high but we managed it well. On the last stint
the car felt really good on track until we obviously had the issue and we had to retire.
Today’s result is a hard one to take as it cost the team and myself an important number of points for both
championships. On the positive side, I’m feeling better and better in the car, more comfortable every race, and
this keeps me motivated. We are fast, and this is what’s matters the most. Congrats to Charles for the win!
We’ll keep pushing!
Mattia Binotto Team Principal & Managing Director
There are a lot of positives we can take home from today’s race. We have secured our second consecutive
Grand Prix win, which confirms that we are doing a good job with a car that is proving to be competitive at
every track. Our management of all aspects of this race went well, from our detailed preparation, even after
yesterday’s Sprint and I think we made all the right decisions in terms of strategy, running an attacking race
right from the start. That meant we were able to put Verstappen under pressure, forcing him into a defensive
race. The mechanics carried out five very quick pit stops and the drivers executed everything we asked of
them prior to the race and managed the tyres very well.
Charles drove like a lion, overtaking Max on track no fewer than three times and Carlos looked like doing the
same which would have resulted in a well-deserved one-two finish. Of course we are very disappointed for him,
but I’m sure he will fight back in the upcoming races. We are still suffering with reliability problems, we know
what they are and we must make every effort to solve them as soon as possible. I am sure we can do it, but
after a performance like today’s, I want to congratulate the whole team, here at the track and back in
Maranello, where all the departments did such a great job over the winter.
Start
Max Verstappen keeps the lead off the line ahead of Charles Leclerc and George Russell passes Carlos
Sainz at turn 1, but the Spaniard retakes third place at turn 3.
Lap 12
Leclerc attacks Verstappen at turn 4 and gts ahead to take the lead.
Lap 13
Verstappen pits, promoting Carlos to second.
Lap 20
Leclerc has a 4 second lead over Carlos and heads Verstappen by 19.
Lap 27
Leclerc pits to take on Hard tyres, so Carlos leads.
Lap 28
Now Sainz pits for Hards, a quick stop in 2.3 seconds. Verstappen leads from Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton and
Sainz
Lap 29
Hamilton pits, Carlos is third again.
Lap 33
Charles closes on Verstappen and passes him to lead again.
Lap 36
Carlos closes on Verstappen and is almost on his tail.
Lap 37
Max pits for new Hards. Leclerc leads from Carlos and the Dutchman.
Lap 50
Charles pits for new Hards in 2.4 second, rejoining behind Carlos and Max.
Lap 51
Carlos also pits in 2.6 seconds, rejoining behind Charles. Verstappen leads from Leclerc and Sainz.
Lap 53
Charles catches Max and passes him at turn 4, having got alongside at turn 3.
Lap 58
Carlos has to retire with a car problem. Virtual Safety Car.
Lap 59
Charles pits and takes on Mediums.
Lap 61
Leclerc leads Verstappen and Hamilton.
Lap 67
Charles has throttle problems but keeps going.
Chequered flag
Ferrari’s 242nd Formula 1 win, a fifth for Charles. The Monegasque is delighted with his first victory since the
Australian GP. A shame for Carlos who could have made it a one-two.
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