Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton has taken to social media to ‘take accountability’ for his tense radio exchanges during the Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix.
It was a difficult Sunday for the Scuderia, who, despite showing promising pace, failed to reach the podium. However, no one was more frustrated than championship contender, Hamilton. The Briton was left frustrated with his team’s strategy, which he vocalised several times throughout the race.
Most notably, Hamilton’s frustrations stemmed from a mid-race incident that saw him on fresher tyres behind his team-mate Charles Leclerc. Despite a pit-stop call for the Monegasque, he continued for another lap. Ultimately keeping Hamilton in his dirty air. The seven-time World Champion aired his annoyance over team radio.
“Great way of wasting time, good job,” Hamilton said over team radio.
In the closing stages of the race, a VSC and a well-timed pit stop for Hamilton allowed him to close the gap to the top three. With Kimi Antonelli and George Russell switching podium places, Hamilton appeared in the box seat for yet another podium this season. But the Briton was unable to catch and pass his former team-mate, finishing the race in a painful fourth.
Following the race, Hamilton explained that his mid-race incident with Leclerc cost him valuable time. Seconds that he believes cost him a third-place finish.
“Today I lost several seconds behind Charles, which I think ultimately would have made the difference at the end,” Hamilton explained.
Hamilton apologises to Ferrari
After reflecting on the race, Hamilton took to social media to apologise for his comments on team radio. With tensions running high in Ferrari, particularly as the title battle intensifies, the 41-year-old took accountability for his comments.
“I’ve listened back to some of my radio and TV comments. In the heat of the moment, frustration can come out, especially when you care as deeply as I do,” Hamilton wrote in a social media post.
“But that wasn’t the best version of me. I take responsibility for that, and I’ll be better.”
The Briton continued by renewing his faith in Ferrari. Claiming that despite a difficult weekend in Zandvoort, the team continue to build toward an eighth championship for Hamilton, who isn’t out of the fight yet.
“That passion comes from believing in this team, the people in it, and what we’re building together.
“The direction is clear. The belief is there. And the fight is absolutely still on.”
Hamilton ended his address with an ominous two word message setting the stage for the rest of the season.
“We’re coming.”
Following the Dutch GP, Hamilton was dropped behind Russell in the Drivers’ Championship. With Monza upcoming, the Briton will look to his team’s home race to make crucial ground on his Mercedes rivals.
