CARLOS SAINZ'S French Grand Prix was left in tatters after Ferrari told him to pit with just nine laps remaining.
The Spaniard, 27, had fought his way through to the front of the race after starting last on the grid due to penalties relating to his engine change.
He drove brilliantly and reached a high of P3 – overtaking Red Bull star Sergio Perez.
That was the catalyst for his problems however as his team instructed him to stop for a second time – just as he was passing the Mexican.
After completing just one more lap Sainz was called in to freshen up his tyres and serve a five second penalty he incurred earlier in the race.
The Ferrari star placed P7 when he returned to the track and though he worked his way back up to finish P5, his chance of a podium was dashed.
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Sky Sports pundit Nico Rosberg was perplexed by Ferrari's tactics as he believed Sainz's tyres were okay to finish the race.
And his view was shared by fans on social media who blasted Ferrari's mistake.
One fan wrote: ""Ferrari are actually clowns why they pitting Sainz."
Another added: "The Ferrari tactician must have a bet on the race or something as there can't be any other reason for pitting Sainz. Madness."
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And a third said: "Honestly, what are Ferrari doing?! CARLOS PITTING NOW?!"
Ferrari had a day to forget with Charles Leclerc also crashing out after leading the race.
Leclerc coped well under early pressure from Max Verstappen but a mistake at the end of lap 17 cost him valuable points in his world championship title bid.
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