David Coulthard Expresses Surprise Over Ferrari’s Permissive Team Tactics During Intense Chinese GP Duel

David Coulthard questions Ferrari’s tactics in China after Hamilton and Leclerc’s battle for P3 allowed Mercedes to escape. Was it a strategic error?

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 19, 2026, 9:29 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from PlanetF1

A Thrilling But Costly Inter-Team Battle

The Chinese Grand Prix featured a high-stakes confrontation between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc that captivated audiences but raised strategic red flags. After George Russell cleared both Ferraris to secure a Mercedes 1-2, the focus shifted to the battle for third place. Hamilton eventually triumphed, securing his record-extending 203rd career podium, but the intensity of the fight left observers wondering if the team’s overall race result was compromised for the sake of driver autonomy.

Coulthard Critiques the Lack of Team Orders

David Coulthard, speaking on the Up To Speed podcast, admitted to being surprised that Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur did not intervene to "release" Leclerc or manage the gap to Mercedes. Coulthard suggested that the traditional tactical approach would have been to allow the faster driver at that moment to pursue the leaders, with the option to swap positions back later if no progress was made. Instead, the constant wheel-to-wheel racing ensured that both Ferraris dropped further away from the front-runners as they prioritized defending against one another.

Hamilton’s Tactical Mastery in the New Era

Despite the strategic concerns, Coulthard labeled Hamilton’s performance a "masterclass" in adaptation. Under the 2026 regulations, which demand heavy energy harvesting and tire management, Hamilton successfully executed a one-stop strategy while maintaining enough defensive pace to hold off his younger teammate. While many expected Leclerc to mount a successful late-race charge, Hamilton’s ability to manage the technical complexities of the SF-26 allowed him to maintain the position until the checkered flag.