Ferrari faces strategic scrutiny following Sepang Grand Prix

Ferrari faced significant strategic challenges during the Grand Prix at Sepang. The team opted to start both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton on slick tires despite damp track conditions. This decision proved unsuccessful, causing both drivers to drop toward the back of the field early in the race.

Lewis Hamilton managed to recover to a third-place podium finish after defying team instructions to switch to intermediate tires, opting instead to wait for the track to dry. Charles Leclerc finished fourth but has urged the team to study Red Bull’s tactical precision, noting that Red Bull’s decision to use intermediate tires was far more effective.

Beyond race tactics, Leclerc has called for the accelerated introduction of planned technical upgrades to address the SF-26’s lack of straight-line speed. Meanwhile, discussions have emerged regarding the FIA's handling of a software-related grid disruption during the formation lap, which ultimately allowed Hamilton to retain his original starting position.