Lewis Hamilton disclosed that he advised Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur not to “be so sensitive” following a radio exchange disagreement between the driver and the team during the Miami Grand Prix.
Hamilton grew frustrated during Sunday`s race. He had superior pace and caught up to his teammate Charles Leclerc but wasn`t immediately given permission to pass and pursue Kimi Antonelli`s Mercedes for sixth place.
The seven-time world champion sent multiple messages expressing his annoyance as the pit wall delayed, initially refused, and then finally approved his request. By the time the swap happened, Hamilton felt his tyres had lost crucial performance.
Speaking to media, Hamilton explained, “I lost significant time behind Charles. In that moment, naturally, I was thinking, `Come on, let`s make a quick decision, let`s not waste time.`”
“I`m certain some people might not have liked certain comments, but you must understand, it`s frustrating,” he added.
The two Ferrari drivers were on different tyre strategies, with Hamilton, who started 12th, on the faster medium compound after the single pit stop phase, while Leclerc was on the harder tyres.
After both drivers had overtaken Carlos Sainz at the same corner to move into seventh and eighth positions, Hamilton immediately requested over the team radio that the pit wall instruct the cars to swap places.
He was initially told to wait. Subsequently, Ferrari informed him they would maintain the current positions, ensuring he remained within DRS range of Leclerc.
Hamilton reacted angrily, stating the decision was “not good teamwork” and referenced the Chinese Grand Prix, where he had offered to let Leclerc past when his teammate was faster behind him.
Ferrari eventually reversed their decision and swapped the cars. Around this time, a radio message from Hamilton was broadcast: “Have a tea break while you`re at it, come on!”
Hamilton, convinced that crucial tyre life had been wasted while he was stuck behind Leclerc, couldn`t significantly challenge Antonelli. Later in the race, he was asked to let his teammate back through.
After complying, Hamilton sarcastically questioned whether the team also wanted him to “let Sainz through” when informed of the gap to the following Williams car.
Discussing the race with journalists in Miami, Hamilton was asked if he had spoken to team principal Vasseur afterwards.
He replied, “Fred came to my room. I simply placed my hand on his shoulder and said, `Mate, calm down. Don`t be so sensitive.`”
“I could have said much worse things on the radio. You hear some of the comments other drivers have made historically. Some of what I said was sarcastic,” Hamilton justified.
“You have to appreciate that we are under immense pressure inside the cars. You`re not likely to receive the calmest messages during the heat of the moment in battle,” he explained.
`I won`t apologize for being a fighter!`
Hamilton`s start to his Ferrari tenure has been marked by considerable frustration since his high-profile move from Mercedes after 12 years.
Apart from a Sprint pole and victory in China, the second race weekend of the season, the partnership between the sport`s most renowned driver and team has had a challenging beginning.
Hamilton`s best Grand Prix result was fifth in Bahrain. Miami, however, represented a new low for Ferrari, a team expected to challenge for championships this year, as both Hamilton and Leclerc performed poorly in qualifying.
Hamilton attributed much of his radio frustration on Sunday to the team`s overall struggles, firmly stating he would not apologize for “being a fighter.”
“I`m unsure what will be written or if I`ll be deemed disrespectful or whatever; honestly, I don`t believe I was,” he commented.
“I was simply saying, `Come on, guys. I want to win.` I still possess that fire within me. I could feel it really surfacing there, and I won`t say sorry for being a fighter. I won`t say sorry for still having that desire.”
“I know everyone in the team feels the same. I genuinely believe that once we address some of the car`s issues, we will be back competing with Mercedes and Red Bulls,” he asserted.
“It just needs to happen sooner rather than later. We`ll try different approaches at the next race and continue refining our procedures. I anticipate a time when perhaps I can contend for a podium; that would be welcome.”
Leclerc: No ill will towards Lewis
Leclerc had consistently outperformed Hamilton in the three prior races but also struggled significantly in Miami, giving subdued interviews on Friday and Saturday.
The Monegasque driver was noticeably calmer than Hamilton over the radio during the race but echoed his teammate`s questioning of the team`s strategic decisions.
Leclerc told media, “It`s a complex situation. I`ll unfortunately give the unexciting answer and won`t comment extensively.”
“Clearly, this isn`t how we intend to manage a race. We will discuss it internally to make improved decisions moving forward,” he stated.
“There are absolutely no negative feelings towards Lewis, none whatsoever. It`s simply that as a team, we need to perform better, and today served as evidence of that,” Leclerc affirmed.
“I am doing my utmost. I am giving everything I have for us to become a better team, to have a better car, to improve overall. That remains our primary focus.”
