Source: Official Team Post via X
Rob Smedley Suggests Ferrari Was Faster Than Red Bull in Singapore
Despite Max Verstappen's commanding win at the Singapore Grand Prix, former Ferrari engineer Rob Smedley argues that Ferrari had the superior car. According to Smedley, Charles Leclerc's pace data indicates Ferrari's potential edge, though strategic decisions and race execution were lacking.
Max Verstappen put on a masterclass performance at the Singapore Grand Prix, claiming pole position and leading every lap of the race, not to mention winning the Sprint Race. Yet, in the eyes of former Ferrari engineer Rob Smedley, the story wasn't quite what it seemed on the surface. Smedley believes that Ferrari actually fielded the fastest car that weekend, despite Verstappen's apparent ease in taking the victory.
During a discussion on the High Performance Podcast, Smedley delved into the data from the race. He noted that Charles Leclerc, Ferrari's leading man, was quicker than Verstappen through the majority of the qualifying lap—specifically, up to three-quarters of the way around the circuit. However, Leclerc's pace faltered in the final sector, costing him crucial time from turns 17 to 19. Smedley speculated that had Leclerc maintained his early pace, the dynamics of the race could have shifted significantly.
In the race itself, Leclerc was doing a commendable job, according to Smedley. Although he never quite caught up to Verstappen, who likely had some pace in reserve, Leclerc was closing the gap. Smedley went on to suggest that with a better strategy and perhaps a flawless qualifying lap, Leclerc might have been able to overtake Verstappen and take the win. "Ferrari was the best car," Smedley stated, adding that Verstappen's win came despite not driving the fastest machine on the track.
Ferrari's performance in Singapore was indeed promising, particularly given the challenging overtaking conditions at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. The Scuderia's aerodynamic package appeared well-suited to the circuit, with both Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton demonstrating strong pace at various points throughout the weekend. However, Ferrari failed to capitalize on their car's potential. Strategy calls were muddled, communication was lackluster, and Leclerc's tentative approach to the first turn allowed Verstappen to maintain his lead from the start.
In contrast, Red Bull executed their race with their customary decisiveness, even managing to navigate a team radio failure without significant impact. Verstappen's confidence on track was matched by the team's strategic acumen off it. As Ferrari ponder what might have been, Red Bull and Verstappen continue to demonstrate why they are a formidable force in Formula 1.