Ferrari F1, fictitious wireless message induces Perez to 2 stops[F1-Gate.com]

Ferrari have revealed they used a ‘fictitious’ radio message to trick Red Bull into adopting a two-stop strategy for Sergio Perez at the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix.

Sergio Perez was second to Charles Leclerc in the middle stages of the race at Yas Marina. The two were in a fierce battle for 2nd place in the drivers’ standings.

However, as Red Bull appeared to have a little more pace, Ferrari realized Charles Leclerc’s only chance of taking the lead was through strategy.

The opportunity came on lap 33 as Ferrari tried to beat Sergio Perez to allow Charles Leclerc to take the lead.

Ferrari told Charles Leclerc “one box opposite Red Bull”.

However, in reality Charles Leclerc was engaged in a unique strategy and this radio message was impractical.

However, Red Bull responded to this radio and immediately called Sergio Perez to the pits. It was a moment where Ferrari’s trick worked brilliantly.

Red Bull F1 team principal Christian Horner said after the race that a combination of the condition of Perez’s tires and “Ferrari were preparing for an undercut” were behind the decision to stop Perez.

Charles Leclerc had no intention of pitting, so Sergio Pérez had to make up all the positions lost with the tire change, eventually finishing 1.3 seconds behind Charles Leclerc. The two-stop strategy failed.

“I have to say that everything we did was exactly what we wanted to do,” Charles Leclerc told Sky Sports of the strategic decision.

“It was planned a long time ago. Now I can tell you, but with this we got him thinking we were going to pit in the opposite direction. He agreed and made the second stop. So we did everything perfectly and I’m very proud of our execution “.

Ferrari F1 team principal Mattia Binotto praised the strategy implemented to help Charles Leclerc finish second. In particular, one of the areas where Ferrari has made mistakes this season has been strategic operations.

“I definitely think the fictitious call to Red Bull was a very good call from the pits,” said Mattia Binotto.

“I think it’s been great as a team and great for the strategists. This weekend. It’s great to have a solid race weekend.”

“Second place and two rankings[piloti e costruttori]they are the balance of the whole season, not just today. But we certainly did a good job today.”

“The fictitious pit stop against Red Bull was the right choice. Overall, I think we did well. I’m happy for them and for the team.”

“I think there is always a lot of criticism when you make a mistake, not only at Ferrari, but I also know they can do very well.”

Charles Leclerc believes the team’s flawless performance in Abu Dhabi was all the more impressive given the added pressure from the championship standings and rumors about Mattia Binotto’s future.

“We did the right thing, we did the most pressured thing,” Leclerc explained.

“Of course, the external pressure of the rumors circulating ahead of the weekend, the pressure to hold on to second place in the drivers’ and constructors’ championships.

“I’m very proud of the team for doing their best under these circumstances.”

“I don’t think we were stronger than the Red Bulls on pure pace. I think they were even stronger than us. But we let them make mistakes, forced them to make two stops and it paid off in the end. So I’m very happy. ”