Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur defends strategy calls in Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix

Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has defended the team's strategic decisions during the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix following Carlos Sainz's expressed discontent.

During the early stages of the race, Sainz found himself trailing Esteban Ocon, but an attempted overtake resulted in contact with the Alpine, damaging Sainz's front wing.

When Ocon eventually pitted, Ferrari opted to bring Sainz in only one lap later to counter Lewis Hamilton, who had stopped earlier. However, Sainz believed that the timing of his pit stop didn't work to his advantage. He suggested that more laps in clean air would have facilitated his emergence ahead after the pit stop, urging Ferrari to "review" their actions.

Nevertheless, Vasseur firmly stands by the team's decisions.

"I believe it was a prudent strategy since we instructed him to pit in order to cover Hamilton and prevent a position loss to him," Vasseur conveyed to the media.

"Position is crucial on the track, and under the circumstances, it was the right call. It would have been preferable to extend his stint if we weren't at risk from Hamilton, but given the situation, I believe it was the correct decision."

Ferrari also took a strategic risk by keeping Sainz and Charles Leclerc out on the track for as long as possible when rain began to fall. While many other drivers had switched to intermediate tyres, the Scuderia duo were among the last to make the switch from slicks.

Vasseur stands by this choice as well.

"We can debate when the rain arrived. It was a gamble on our part, but I have no regrets since we didn't lose any positions," he added.

Ultimately, Leclerc and Sainz secured sixth and eighth place, respectively, in the race.