Lewis Hamilton has candidly admitted that his frustration boiled over during the Dutch Grand Prix after reviewing his Ferrari radio communication, conceding that his conduct did not reflect the standard he expects from himself.
The seven-time world champion had become increasingly irritated during the second half of the race as he found himself stuck behind team-mate Charles Leclerc, who was running older tyres. Hamilton was also unhappy with what he perceived as a lack of clarity from Ferrari over its strategy.
His frustration eventually spilled onto the airwaves when Leclerc finally pitted on lap 43.
“Great way of wasting time guys, good job,” Hamilton sarcastically told his team.
Hamilton was similarly critical after the race, suggesting Ferrari still had room to improve its execution on race day. However, after taking time to listen back to his own radio and television comments, he took a more reflective view of his behaviour.
Hamilton takes responsibility
Rather than attempt to justify his outburst, Hamilton openly acknowledged that he had allowed the heat of the moment to get the better of him.
“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.
“But that wasn’t the best version of me. I take responsibility for that, and I’ll be better.”
Ferrari’s strategy was not quite as straightforward as it may have appeared from Hamilton’s cockpit. The team had initially planned to pit Leclerc earlier, but traffic forced it to extend his stint by another lap.
Hamilton, meanwhile, was intended to remain on track until the finish.
Team principal Fred Vasseur also explained that Ferrari had deliberately delayed communicating its strategy to Hamilton in order to avoid giving rivals an insight into its plans.
Hamilton’s willingness to apologise nevertheless underlined the intensity of his commitment to Ferrari, with the Briton insisting his frustration was rooted in wanting the team to succeed.
“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,” he added.
Frustration fueled by belief
Despite another missed podium, Hamilton remains encouraged by Ferrari’s progress.
The team’s development programme has produced significant gains, while both Hamilton and Leclerc have already claimed victories this season.
“I’m incredibly proud of everyone back at the factory who continues to bring updates, find performance and push us forward,” the seven-time world champion said.
“To the team at the track, thank you. The commitment and effort never go unnoticed. We still have work to do, particularly over one lap, but we’ll keep digging in, learning and improving together.”
A late Virtual Safety Car ultimately helped Mercedes’ George Russell secure third place, with Hamilton finishing fourth and Leclerc fifth.
For Hamilton, though, the most significant post-race verdict was perhaps the one he passed on himself: the radio outburst was a moment he could have handled better – and one he is prepared to own.
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