Lewis Hamilton has acknowledged that his frustrated comments made over the radio and in media interviews during the recent Dutch Grand Prix did not represent his best self. The Ferrari driver stated he takes responsibility for his remarks and aims to improve.
During the race in Zandvoort, Hamilton expressed irritation in a series of radio messages. His frustration stemmed from being held up by his team-mate Charles Leclerc, despite the two drivers being on different strategies. Hamilton felt that the time lost behind Leclerc ultimately cost him a podium finish, as he concluded the race in fourth place, just behind George Russell.
Reflecting on the Race
Hamilton, who joined Ferrari in 2025, reiterated his criticism of the team after the race. He drew a comparison between Ferrari’s hesitation in moving Leclerc aside and Mercedes‘ decisive instruction to Russell to allow his team-mate, championship leader Kimi Antonelli, to pass later in the race. This comparison highlighted his belief that Ferrari’s actions were not optimal for his race outcome.
Reflecting on the weekend, Hamilton shared his thoughts in an Instagram post. He mentioned listening back to his radio and television comments, acknowledging that frustration can emerge in the heat of the moment, particularly when one cares deeply about the outcome. However, he admitted that it was not his best version and accepted responsibility, vowing to improve.
The outcome of the race saw Hamilton’s points deficit to Antonelli in the drivers’ standings increase to 59 points. The Ferrari driver also dropped to third place behind Russell, who now holds the same number of points but has secured more race victories this season. Despite this being his third consecutive grand prix without a podium, Hamilton, at 41 years old, maintained that the fight for the title “is absolutely still on.”
He expressed his belief in the team, its members, and their collective building efforts, stating that the direction is clear and the belief is present. Hamilton thanked supporters for their continued backing and promised to keep building, pushing, and fighting.
Team Strategy and Development
Ferrari‘s team principal, Fred Vasseur, addressed the strategy decisions made during the Dutch Grand Prix. Vasseur explained that the team intentionally withheld strategy details from Hamilton during the race to prevent competitors from gaining an advantage. He indicated that the plan was to keep Hamilton on track until the end, believing it would have been the correct decision.
Vasseur acknowledged that there was some confusion regarding Leclerc’s pit stop, as he was initially scheduled to pit but was then extended for an additional lap. He also noted that both drivers, including Leclerc, experienced some frustration with the tyre compounds, which were difficult to assess on the day. Vasseur highlighted that the marginal difference between medium and soft compounds made it challenging to establish a clear strategy, sometimes necessitating in-race adjustments.
Ferrari introduced a new floor and diffuser at Zandvoort, continuing an impressive development drive throughout the season. Hamilton praised these efforts, expressing pride in the factory team for bringing updates, finding performance, and pushing the team forward. He also thanked the trackside team for their commitment and effort, noting that while there is still work to do, particularly over one lap, the team will continue to learn and improve together.
Hamilton’s former team-mate, Nico Rosberg, urged Ferrari to enhance their race execution, believing they have the potential for “much better results.” With Leclerc finishing fifth, just behind Hamilton, Ferrari’s deficit to Mercedes in the Constructors’ Championship expanded to 87 points. Rosberg, a 2016 world champion, observed that Ferrari consistently finishes in the top five but often leaves a feeling of “what could have been” after each weekend.
He pointed out that small issues seem to accumulate, leading to frustration for both Hamilton and Leclerc. Rosberg emphasized the need for Ferrari to improve their execution and “nail it” to achieve significantly better results. Hamilton also urged Ferrari to upgrade their engine promptly, noting that the team has been down on power for half the season and needs to improve to contend for the championship.
Formula 1 is scheduled to head to Monza for Ferrari’s home race, the Italian Grand Prix, from September 4-6.
Source: skysports.com