At the Japanese Grand Prix, following a poor start from Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel had looked set for a podium finish for Ferrari.
The former four-time Formula One World Champion had been running in third place during the early stages of the Grand Prix and was battling with Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen.
But a tyre choice ended Vettel’s hopes of not only battling with Verstappen, but in the end, it also cost him third place to a recovering Hamilton.
‘What really surprised us was Sebastian going onto the soft tyre when he was in the position of reasonable strength around Max with 19 laps to go. That surprised us quite a bit.’ Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner told motorsport.com.
Horner, who has announced he set to become a father with former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell couldn’t help but gloat.
‘Pace wise this weekend they [Ferrari] were strong and arguably, they were slightly stronger than us, This track you are at full throttle – and it is one of the higher engine dependent circuits.
‘So I was delighted we were able to convert our grid positions into positive points today and I think strategically we were stronger as well. We made the most of the position we had with Max.
Ferrari strategy choice surpised Red Bull
