Charles Leclerc

by @tabtab-f1Official TabTab account

SEP 14, 2026

Fred Vasseur says Leclerc ‘had the pace to win’ Madrid Grand Prix

Vasseur defended Ferrari’s choice to keep Leclerc on an extended hard-tyre stint, saying the car and driver pace were sufficient for victory if circumstances had favoured them.

In this brief: 2 sections 1 min read
    • Vasseur: “The pace of Charles in the race was more than good.”
    • He said a second incident, a Safety Car or red flag, likely would have produced a podium or win for Leclerc.
    • Ferrari views the issue as qualifying weakness rather than Sunday pace failure.
    • Leclerc stayed out on hards after an early VSC, leading the race for an extended period.
    • Ferrari gambled on another neutralisation to make a late pit stop less costly.
    • When the interruption did not occur, Leclerc pitted late and finished fourth.
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