Hamilton Reflects on Frustrations During Miami GP Str… Read more
Lewis Hamilton has opened up about the tense team radio exchanges during the Miami Grand Prix, acknowledging the frustration behind his pointed comments as Ferrari wrestled with race strategy. Starting 12th on the grid, Hamilton found himself battling in the lower points positions, locked in a mid-field fight with Esteban Ocon on the hard tyres during the early phase of the race.
His fortunes began to improve when a mid-race Virtual Safety Car allowed him to pit with minimal time loss, giving him an edge on the faster medium compound tyres. As he gained ground, Hamilton closed in on teammate Charles Leclerc and Williams’ Carlos Sainz, who were scrapping for seventh. With the pace advantage, Hamilton radioed Ferrari requesting to be let past Leclerc, who was ahead but on a slower tyre.
However, Ferrari initially instructed both drivers to hold position, causing Hamilton to grow visibly agitated over team radio. One sarcastic remark—suggesting they could “have a tea break” before making a decision—highlighted his frustration at the delay in team orders.
Post-race, Hamilton spoke to Sky Sports F1, expressing that his comments were born out of a desire for quick and decisive strategy, not personal frustration. “I lost a lot of time behind Charles. In the moment, I was just thinking, let’s not waste time. I know some people may not have liked what I said, but it was sarcastic. Others have said worse,” he explained. He emphasized that the matter would be discussed internally and downplayed any lasting tension.
Eventually, Ferrari relented and allowed the position switch, but Hamilton could not maintain a gap, with Leclerc staying close behind in DRS range and later complaining about dirty air. In the closing laps, Hamilton was involved in a last-minute scrap with Sainz, making contact at the final hairpin. He ultimately finished eighth, one position behind Leclerc in seventh.
Reflecting on Ferrari’s overall performance, Hamilton noted the team’s current struggles. “To be battling Williams and not being able to clearly beat them shows we’re missing performance,” he said. “We know where the issues are—like in China—and we’ve got upgrades coming. We’ll keep pushing and not give up.”
Leclerc echoed Hamilton’s concerns, acknowledging the team’s lack of pace. “We’re not in a good place. We need to do better and improve fast,” the Monegasque driver admitted, as Ferrari finished the race nearly a minute behind winner Oscar Piastri, underlining their current competitive deficit.
