Breaking:Lewis Hamilton: Ferrari driver’s contentious radio messages during Miami GP analysed by… read more
At the Miami Grand Prix, tensions flared within the Ferrari team as Lewis Hamilton’s radio outbursts revealed growing frustration with race strategy decisions. The seven-time world champion, who joined Ferrari for the 2025 Formula One season, was noticeably irritated during the race when his request to pass teammate Charles Leclerc was not immediately approved. The incident gained widespread attention, especially given Hamilton’s emotional radio communications and the strategic implications for the team.
Hamilton was running a different tyre strategy compared to Leclerc, which gave him a temporary pace advantage shortly after the only round of pit stops. As he rapidly closed in on Leclerc, Hamilton believed he should be allowed to pass in order to catch up to Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, who was running ahead in sixth place. However, the Ferrari pit wall hesitated to make a quick decision, initially denying Hamilton’s request, which only added to his frustration.
During this period of indecision, Hamilton became increasingly vocal over team radio. His frustration was evident as he suggested that the team’s delay was a sign of poor coordination, stating that it was “not good teamwork.” He also made a sarcastic comment, telling the team they could “have a tea break” while deliberating, underscoring his irritation with the slow response. This wasn’t the first time Hamilton referenced intra-team dynamics; he recalled letting a faster Leclerc pass during the Chinese Grand Prix and appeared to expect similar cooperation in return.
Eventually, Ferrari gave Hamilton the green light to overtake Leclerc. However, by that point, Hamilton believed the delay had cost him crucial tyre performance, which limited his ability to challenge for a better finishing position. Later in the race, Leclerc showed better pace and Ferrari instructed Hamilton to give the position back, prompting yet another sarcastic remark from the Brit. He questioned whether the team also wanted him to let Carlos Sainz through, even though Sainz, now driving for Williams, was merely following the Ferrari duo.
Despite the heated exchanges, Hamilton seemed to downplay the situation after the race. He mentioned a conversation with Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur, in which he advised Vasseur not to take the radio messages too personally. This appeared to be an effort to maintain harmony within the team despite the public airing of his grievances.
Sky Sports F1 analysts Martin Brundle and Ted Kravitz later reviewed the incident, highlighting both the strategic missteps and the internal friction it revealed within the Ferrari camp. The situation raised questions about team dynamics and communication, especially between experienced drivers like Hamilton and a historically conservative pit wall.
Hamilton’s remarks and Ferrari’s delayed responses have sparked broader discussions in the F1 community about how intra-team battles and communication can significantly impact race outcomes.
