Leclerc joins Hamilton in questioning Ferrari strategy: 'Signing to finish behind Russell'

The Monegasque driver was piling the pressure on Russell for the final podium spot before Hamilton cruised onto his teammate's gearbox thanks to a large tyre delta advantage. However, rather than switching positions, Ferrari pitted Leclerc onto a far weaker strategy, but only after costing Hamilton significant time due to a lack of urgency in making the decision.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the race, Leclerc said: "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. With a two or three-lap difference, for me, there wasn't much I could have done.

It was clear after the race that Hamilton was far from happy that Ferrari did not move Leclerc out of the way quicker, by either letting his teammate through or boxing earlier.

The seven-time world champion called for 'offline' talks with the team to discuss where things went wrong at the Dutch Grand Prix, with neither Ferrari driver finishing on the podium, and Hamilton only beating Leclerc to P4.

Leclerc clarified there were no team orders, as he said: "I didn’t receive any message about that. In the end, I was just focused on my pace and trying to give my best. Sometimes it’s a team game. Lewis was very strong in the second stint, but that’s how it goes. Sometimes I will be frustrated, sometimes Lewis will be frustrated.”