The decisive scene
Laps 27–29 VSC and the subsequent defence
Ferrari accepted the burden of defending against fresher tyres at a circuit where passing is realistic. The evidence does not establish the finishing position that a stop would have produced.
Featured decision read: MIXED
Ferrari's call
Hamilton stayed out on medium while Antonelli and Verstappen stopped, gaining third through their tyre changes. He subsequently finished sixth.
Why the answer stays bounded
Low wear and Hamilton’s initially favourable pace against the staying-out McLarens supported the actual choice. The stopping rivals were already faster before the VSC, and their recovery cannot be transferred directly to Ferrari.