Charles Leclerc joins Lewis Hamilton in questioning Ferrari's Dutch GP strategy

Ferrari left both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton frustrated by it's questionable strategy at Zandvoort.

23 Aug 2026

Leclerc was confused by Ferrari's strategy calls in Zandvoort
© XPB Images

Charles Leclerc has joined team-mate Lewis Hamilton in questioning Ferrari's strategy at the Dutch Grand Prix.

Ferrari appeared to have got on top of its strategy fumbles of recent years, but the Scuderia struggled to nail its plan at Zandvoort, making decisions that hindered both drivers.

Having given Hamilton a large tyre delta over the leaders, the seven-time champion had a significant pace advantage over Leclerc when he cruised onto his team-mate's gearbox. But rather than switching the positions, Ferrari pitted Leclerc onto a far weaker strategy, but only after costing Hamilton significant time through a lack of urgency in making the call.

Leclerc held up Hamilton for a handful of laps at Zandvoort
© XPB Images

"I didn't really understand why we had to box so close to George's pit stop, because that really was kind of signing to finishing behind George," Leclerc told Sky Sports.

"With a two or three-lap difference, for me, there wasn't much I could have done.

"I felt like there was a bit more in my tyres. Obviously, Lewis and I were on different strategies at that point, but I felt that what was right was staying a bit longer on the track.

"But at the end of the day, it's the way it is.

"I think we got mostly a little bit unlucky with the virtual safety car timing, and most importantly, I don't think we did a good job yesterday in qualifying, and we paid the price of it by starting further down."

When F1 returns to action in two weeks, the championship will be competing in Ferrari's home territory at the Italian Grand Prix.

Ferrari's strategy left Leclerc in a lose-lose situation
© XPB Images

While trying to remain positive, Leclerc's expectations are limited.

"Obviously Monza is extremely special as a Ferrari driver, and for Kimi [Antonelli] as well, I'm sure," he said.

"I don't really know what to expect. If I look at Silverstone and Spa, on paper it was kind of like Monza where we expected to struggle, and we were a lot stronger than what we expected.

"I hope that happens again in Monza, but if you ask me as of now, I will tell you it's probably going to be a difficult weekend, but we'll have some upgrades, and I hope it will work."