Eddie Irvine points out “it is always easier to get pit stops right when you are behind”. Eddie Irvine on Ferrari's strategy in Monaco.

After the unfortunate outcome of the 2022 Monaco Grand Prix for Scuderia Ferrari in Monte Carlo, the debate around the Maranello team has been intense.

The disappointing defeat in the Principality after having monopolized the entire front row left several internal points to analyze for Ferrari:

The first topic of discussion concerns the management of strategies: Charles Leclerc was understandably furious after last Sunday’s race and, to continue the fight against Red Bull for the world championships, it will be essential not only to avoid such moments – an easy undertaking – but rather to rebuild the Monegasque’s confidence with the pit wall. A process that can only take place by demonstrating that the team has learned from the mistakes made in Monaco.

Another crucial aspect for the future is that of hierarchies: the Scuderia must in fact understand – and clarify – what Carlos Sainz’s role is. Co-captain, and therefore justified in fighting for the victory in every single race, or wingman? In this second case it will be necessary to make the Spaniard accept some sacrifices in the name of the ‘common good’. Italian daily newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, in an article written by Andrea Cremonesi, tried to discuss these issues with three great former drivers of the Maranello team: Gerhard Berger, Cesare Fiorio and Eddie Irvine:

“[…] On Sunday […] until Sergio Perez’s pit stop the two red cars were in charge easily, the issue was that precious time was lost covering the Mexican from Red Bull […]. On the contrary, Carlos did not make it his own. Because faced with a call from Riccardo Adami, Carlos replied that he preferred to stay on the track and wait for the right moment to mount the dry tires. As he did then. The debate is about the time wasted  […]. Question: Should Sainz’s legitimate hopes of victory have been sacrificed […]?

«It would not have been fair – says Gerhard Berger […] after only seven races Carlos legitimately dreams of being able to win the championship, he is not too far from the top, just don’t hold him back. […] ». […].

“I think Red Bull is generally more able to react during the race – explains Cesare Fiorio […] -, we must remember that the World championship last year in Abu Dhabi it was not Max Verstappen who won but his pit wall by calling him in with the safety car, fitting him with the softer rubber to allow him to attack Hamilton. Christian Horner and his team have something more from this point of view”.

For Eddie Irvine, […] it is easier to get the pit stops right when you are chasing from behind, especially in those particular conditions, while when you are in the lead it is easier to make mistakes. But we must also remember that if Carlos Sainz had not encountered lapped cars […] he would have won the race. I think it was just a matter of bad luck. Of course, what has happened must be carefully analyzed to be sure that it does not happen again. […] »” – Eddie Irvine concluded.