Lewis Hamilton recovered from a disastrous start to finish third at the Malaysian Grand Prix, but Ferrari’s decision to split from the safer tyre strategy may have cost the seven-time world champion a chance to fight Max Verstappen for victory.
Hamilton and Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc were left at the back of the field after the chaotic opening phase at Sepang, before both drivers launched a remarkable recovery. Hamilton eventually finished third behind race winner and championship leader Verstappen, with Leclerc fourth.
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur defended the team’s decision, but admitted the situation had been difficult to judge from the grid.
Ferrari lacked information before the restart
The start of the Malaysian Grand Prix was initially delayed by heavy rain, creating difficult conditions for teams attempting to determine the correct tyre choice.
When the race was eventually prepared for a restart, the field was split between intermediate tyres and slicks. Ferrari’s decision left Hamilton and Leclerc badly exposed as conditions evolved, with both drivers dropping to the rear of the field.
“Half of the drivers chose intermediate tires, the other half slicks. When you’re on the grid, you look at the asphalt and you don’t have much more information. We make these decisions together. We simply lacked information,” Vasseur explained.
Despite the setback, the Ferrari drivers were able to recover strongly once the race settled down.
Hamilton’s recovery raised questions for Ferrari
Hamilton’s pace became increasingly impressive as the race progressed, allowing him to climb through the field and eventually secure the final podium position.
Vasseur was therefore asked whether Hamilton could have challenged Verstappen for victory had Ferrari avoided the initial tyre mistake.
“I don’t like all these ‘ifs’. But yes, his pace was strong. Now we just have to make sure we do a better job next week,” the Ferrari team principal responded.
Vasseur nevertheless maintained that the eventual strategy worked well, pointing to the pace of both drivers and their tyre management.
“Nevertheless, it worked out well in the end, the strategy was good, the pace was strong and the drivers managed the tires well,” he added.
The result was particularly notable given the position Ferrari found itself in during the opening stages.
“Overall, it was a good, very strong result, considering that after the first lap we were in 21st and 22nd place at one point. That was a very strong comeback and I am very satisfied with it,” Vasseur said.
Ralf Schumacher believes Hamilton could have challenged Verstappen
Sky Sports expert Ralf Schumacher went further in his assessment, arguing that Hamilton’s recovery pace suggested Ferrari had potentially thrown away a genuine opportunity to fight for the win.
“Lewis Hamilton was really super strong. I think if he had been at the front from the start, he could have made life difficult for Max. Ferrari could have been fighting for the win today,” Schumacher asserted on Sky.
Hamilton’s third-place finish therefore leaves Ferrari with a difficult question to answer. The team salvaged a double top-four result from a chaotic opening, but Hamilton’s pace in the second half of the race suggests the Scuderia may have had the performance required to challenge Verstappen had it made a different call before the restart.
Would you like to see more TJ13 Formula 1 coverage? Add us to your favourites list on Google to receive trusted F1 news.
The Judge, a nom de plume of an experienced F1 journalist and site founder with long-standing sources across the paddock. With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
Craig Alderson is Senior Editor at TJ13, where Craig oversees newsroom operations and coordinates editorial output across the site. With a background in online sports reporting and motorsport magazine editing, he plays a key role in maintaining consistency, speed, and accuracy in TJ13’s coverage.
During race weekends, Craig acts as desk lead, directing contributors, prioritising breaking stories, and ensuring timely publication across a fast-moving news cycle.
Craig’s work focuses heavily on real-time developments in the paddock, including team updates, regulatory decisions, and emerging controversies. This role requires a detailed understanding of Formula 1’s operational flow, from practice sessions through to race-day strategy and post-race fallout.
With experience managing editorial teams, Craig ensures that TJ13 delivers structured, reliable coverage while maintaining the site’s distinctive voice.
Craig has a particular interest in how information moves within the paddock environment, and how rapidly developing stories can be accurately translated into clear, accessible reporting for readers.
