Arrivabene told Sky TV in the immediate aftermath of the Montreal race that it had been an error for Ferrari to have gone for a two-stop strategy, because Hamilton won on a one-stop.

“We overestimated the degradation of the tyres,” said Arrivabene on television. “That’s the reason why we called him in and it was the wrong decision.

“We don’t have to make the story bigger than it is. Today we made a mistake.”

But having spent time analysing the race in more detail, Arrivabene says that Ferrari did not actually do anything wrong, and that the thing that caught them out was Hamilton's ability to maintain good tyre life.

“I have to apologise with the team, because straight after the race, Sky UK jumped on me and said: 'who was the guy who made a mistake on the strategy?'

“First of all, in my role I don't have to indicate about anyone and, if, if, if – there is a mistake, this mistake is on my shoulder and not my team.

“Having said so, the question is, what about the strategy? It is quite clear that only two drivers were doing one stop: one was Valtteri Bottas and one Hamilton. We didn't predict that Hamilton was able to go to the end of the race.”

Back in the game

Despite the strategy decision having opened the door for Hamilton to triumph, Arrivabene said that Ferrari had actually had a hugely encouraging weekend in Canada.

As well as a strong qualifying performance, Vettel made a brilliant getaway to lead in the early stages.

Arrivabene added: “I was really up to the sky when I saw the start of Seb. It was one of the greatest starts I have ever seen in F1.

“I was really happy we pushed hard and I think the work that we started straight after Monaco started to pay off.

“We understand better the car and we are working during the race weekend in a way we are able to find the right balance. And this is going to pay off, because this was an interesting race.

“We have to do more and more and more, but we need to continue like this and be positive, positive, positive.

“When you sniff the victory that is nearby you, you get a bit nervous and disappointed straight after the race, as happened to me, but I think the team was doing a great job. I have to say I am happy.”