Fred Vasseur says Leclerc ‘had the pace to win’ Madrid Grand Prix
Vasseur defended Ferrari’s choice to keep Leclerc on an extended hard-tyre stint, saying the car and driver pace were sufficient for victory if circumstances had favoured them.
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Vasseur: “The pace of Charles in the race was more than good.”
He said a second incident, a Safety Car or red flag, likely would have produced a podium or win for Leclerc.
Ferrari views the issue as qualifying weakness rather than Sunday pace failure.
Leclerc stayed out on hards after an early VSC, leading the race for an extended period.
Ferrari gambled on another neutralisation to make a late pit stop less costly.
When the interruption did not occur, Leclerc pitted late and finished fourth.