Lewis Hamilton issues Ferrari demand to spring Dutch GP upset

Lewis Hamilton believes Ferrari would be "smart" if it opted to split strategies in the Dutch Grand Prix with team-mate Charles Leclerc.

Leclerc and Hamilton are starting sixth and seventh at Zandvoort, and aside from the front-row sitting McLarens are the highest-placed team on the grid with both cars starting next to each other.

Strategy is set to play an even more important role in the Dutch GP after the FIA raised the pit-lane speed limit to 80kph in a boost to try and avoid simple one-stop strategies with the old 60kph limit. 

There is also the unknown of rain at the coastal Zandvoort circuit, with forecasts throughout the week pointing towards a wet grand prix. 

With this in mind, Hamilton believes a split is the logical choice for Ferrari, as the seven-time champion still chases his first grand prix podium for the Scuderia.

"I think it would be smart to split strategies, given we are trying to beat the McLarens," Hamilton told media, including RacingNews365, after a long pause between question and answer. 

"It is definitely good when you have the two drivers starting next to each other.

"After McLaren, we are the next team that has two drivers next to each other.

"So hopefully, that can play a role in how we overcut or undercut the cars ahead of us, potentially."