Binotto: Ferrari’s Much-Lauded Double-Stack F1 Pitstop Borne Out of Misunderstanding

Double-stacking in Formula One refers to when both cars come into the pits, one after the other. A most recent example of this was at the Qatar Grand Prix when Ferrari drivers, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz both came into the pits.

However, it was never meant to be, as a slight miscommunication within the team caused it. Nevertheless, the Italian team had no problem getting their car back on track within seconds.

A miscommunication at Ferrari resulted in double-stacking at the Qatar GP

The Maranello-based team wasn’t planning on double-stacking during the Qatar Grand Prix. But Sainz came into the pits, and to Ferrari’s relief didn’t face any problems.

Speaking to Speedweek, team boss Mattia Binotto said, “We sent Carlos and Charles onto the track asking them to drive at a moderate pace to get through with only one stop.”

“They adhered ironically to this plan. Only a good ten laps before the end, when it was clear to us that we would make it to the finish in terms of tire wear, did they get approval for more speed. Others attacked early and got the quitting for it. I therefore believe that our approach was correct.” 

“This was due to a misunderstanding. Ideally, Carlos could have stayed before strolling and perhaps had time to attack the fifth-placed Ocon at the end of the race. Our boys handled both cars in quick succession and error-free, which is not self-evident – they had worked a long time when changing Leclerc chassis, and after three Grand Prix within three weeks, everyone was tired anyway,” Binotto concluded. (Translated from German via Google)

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How did the Italian team’s race pan out at Qatar?

Sainz was starting Sunday’s race in fifth place, while his Monegasque teammate was seeing the five-red lights from thirteenth on the grid. With quite a few challenges to overcome to secure a good haul, the team pushed themselves to the limit.

As the chequered flag waved, Sainz found himself in seventh place, while Leclerc had to settle for eighth. The Ferrari duo picked up ten points from the Losail Circuit. The Italian team held on to their third place in the constructors’ championship.

Now the next challenge awaits the Italian team at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. What are your predictions for the Maranello-based team in round twenty-one of this season? Let us know in the comments below.

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