Ferrari's choice to stay out during virtual safety car periods at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix — where Mercedes claimed a 1-2 finish as detailed in our race report — faced backlash for prioritizing track position over an exciting battle with Mercedes. Podcast host Will Buxton criticized the call, while Lando Norris and Max Verstappen shared a heartwarming post-race gesture amid their on-track fight.
As covered in our Australian GP race report, Charles Leclerc briefly led early on before Ferrari opted against pitting both cars during VSCs triggered by Isack Hadjar (lap 12) and Valtteri Bottas (lap 19). Lewis Hamilton questioned the strategy on team radio: "At least one of us should have come in!"
On the Up To Speed podcast, former F1 presenter Will Buxton slammed the decision: "I think they just wanted track position, to be in control of the race... But [it] robbed us potentially of a really good race between Ferrari and Mercedes." He endorsed Hamilton's split-strategy idea, referencing McLaren's Qatar blunder last year. Team principal Fred Vasseur defended the call, and Buxton conceded that no one foresaw the tires lasting so long, allowing Mercedes to benefit from extended stints.
Buxton also praised Hamilton's growing comfort in the Ferrari, finishing near the podium. Meanwhile, Lando Norris defended fifth place against Max Verstappen for several laps, with the pair exchanging friendly waves post-race. Fans on Reddit lauded the moment: "Always nice to see drivers be friendly like that," and "'Good fight mate, I had fun' gestures."
The weekend sets up the Chinese Grand Prix on March 13-15, including the season's first sprint.
