David Coulthard tips Ferrari to be ‘more aggressive’ after Australian Grand Prix pit stop error

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David Coulthard expects Ferrari to learn from their mistakes and bounce back in a massive way ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix.

What was a successful race weekend for Ferrari could have been better had it not been for them failing to pit either car during the virtual safety car in Australia.

Charles Leclerc managed to earn a podium finish despite Lewis Hamilton coming close to passing him late in the race.

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But Ferrari’s in-race strategy cost them yet again, as perhaps they could have got both drivers with a podium with a well-timed pit stop during the virtual safety car.

These issues have plagued Ferrari for quite some time, but David Coulthard believes the team have finally turned a corner, right ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix.

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David Coulthard expects Ferrari to be more confident going forward

David Coulthard spoke right after the Australian Grand Prix about Ferrari’s performance at Albert Park. He was impressed with how quickly they started the race.

While Coulthard noted that their pit strategy cost them a potential double podium, he does expect Ferrari to learn from their mistakes and be more aggressive for the rest of the season.

“They teased it before we got to the first Grand Prix, then they delivered it here in the race. It was just like some sort of computer game…”

“They had no option on the second (virtual safety car) because they closed the pit lane because of where Bottas was. Apparently, Charles was saying they were waiting for another safety car to make that stop.

“You’ve got no control over whether it’s a full safety car, a virtual safety car… They should have at least pitted one car to keep Mercedes under pressure. To leave them both out, clearly, was a mistake.”

“Now I think they got this race away with both cars finishing third and fourth. I think that will give them the confidence to be more aggressive.”

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Ferrari must use Chinese Grand Prix as real litmus test for 2026 season

Ferrari’s performance at the Australian Grand Prix may not have been what they had hoped for, but there are plenty of positives to take away for them.

Their ability to compete with Mercedes at the start of the race, despite the latter being considered overwhelming favourites, showed that Ferrari can challenge for titles this season.

Even Charles Leclerc admitted Mercedes’ pace wasn’t as much as he had initially expected, suggesting that he feels more confident to compete this season.

The Chinese Grand Prix is where Ferrari will have the best chance to evaluate their championship aspirations.