Vasseur slams 'Idiotic' blue flags after Ferrari's missed 1-2

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has launched a scathing criticism of backmarker behavior in the Mexico Grand Prix.

He claimed that repeated blue flag violations ultimately denied Charles Leclerc a second-place finish in what could have been a Ferrari one-two.

Late race drama unfolds

The situation reached its climax in the final fifteen laps of the Mexican GP when Leclerc, holding a comfortable three-second advantage over Lando Norris, encountered a string of backmarkers including.

What should have been routine lapping maneuvers turned into a crucial phase of the race, with Leclerc's lead evaporating as he navigated through the traffic.

The time loss proved catastrophic when combined with subsequent tire temperature issues, ultimately leading to a decisive moment at the Peraltada corner on lap 62 where Leclerc fought to control a snap of oversteer, allowing Norris to seize the position.

Vasseur demands action

The Ferrari team principal didn't mince words when addressing the situation.

"When you do five corners when the guy has a solid blue, it's not unfortunate. It's a mistake of the guy,"

Vasseur stated firmly. He further elaborated to Sky Sports F1, expressing particular frustration with the officiating:

"Honestly, they have to respect the blue flag and I don't understand why the FIA didn't give them a penalty."

Temperature management critical

While some observers suggested Norris simply had superior pace in the closing stages, Vasseur strongly disputed this interpretation.

"It's your analysis [Norris was faster] but I'm not really aligned. I think that Charles had good pace, but we lost three seconds with the guys who were blue-flagged,"

he explained, adding that the delays had crucial knock-on effects.

"We also lost a lot of temperature in the tyres at this stage and he made a mistake."

Looking forward despite disappointment

Despite the frustration of losing what appeared to be a secure second position, Vasseur attempted to maintain perspective while acknowledging the disappointment.

"Charles was not happy yesterday with P3 or P4, but still today he did a good race,"

he reflected, before adding,

"I'm a bit upset with the story with the blue flag, it cost us P2. But at the end of the day, it is like it is, but we have to be focused now on the next one and forget this one."

The incident has raised questions about blue flag enforcement in Formula 1, with Ferrari's experience in Mexico potentially spurring discussion about stricter penalties for violations in future races.