Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur praised Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc for their exceptional recovery drives after the team's wrong tire choice at the Malaysia start nearly caused disaster. Both drivers started on soft slick tires when 14 of 22 cars chose intermediates, dropping them over a minute behind the leaders in wet conditions.
Hamilton recovered from 17th position to claim the final podium spot through superior race pace and tire management, while Leclerc fought back from last place to fourth despite suffering contact damage and a puncture. Vasseur acknowledged the tire choice was clearly wrong but credited the drivers for limiting the damage through skillful driving.
The team's gamble was based on expectations that Sepang's rough surface would dry quickly, allowing slick tires to work effectively in damp conditions. However, track conditions remained too wet longer than anticipated, forcing both Ferraris into early pit stops that cost crucial time and track position.
Despite the strategic error, Ferrari demonstrated strong race pace once conditions suited their tire choice, with Hamilton overtaking multiple cars and pulling away from competitors. Vasseur noted they were flattered by George Russell's late retirement moving both drivers up one position, but emphasized the recovery drives showed the team's underlying competitiveness.