Lewis Hamilton shared that he advised Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur not to be `too sensitive` after a radio exchange disagreement occurred between the driver and the team during the recent Miami Grand Prix.
During Sunday`s race, Hamilton felt frustrated as he approached his teammate Charles Leclerc, having better pace, but wasn`t immediately given permission to pass and pursue Kimi Antonelli`s Mercedes for sixth place.
The seven-time champion voiced his frustration through several radio messages as the pit wall delayed, initially denied, and eventually approved his request. By the time permission was given, Hamilton believed his tyres had lost too much performance.
He quoted himself saying:
`I certainly lost significant time following Charles, and at that moment, my thought was `come on, let`s make a swift decision, don`t let`s squander time.“
He added:
`I`m sure some of my remarks weren`t well-received, but it`s important to understand the frustration involved.`
Both Ferrari drivers began the race on different tyre strategies. Hamilton, starting from 12th, was on the quicker medium compound after the pit stops, while Leclerc was on the hard.
After both drivers overtook Carlos Sainz at the same corner to take seventh and eighth positions, Hamilton promptly requested via team radio that the cars swap places.
He was initially instructed to wait. Ferrari then informed him they would maintain the current positions and ensure he stayed within DRS distance of Leclerc.
Hamilton responded angrily, stating the decision showed `not good teamwork`, and brought up the Chinese Grand Prix where he had offered to let Leclerc pass when his teammate was quicker behind him.
Ferrari subsequently reversed their decision and swapped the cars. Around this time, a radio message from Hamilton was broadcast where he exclaimed:
`Have a tea break while you`re at it, come on!`
Feeling that his tyres had significantly degraded while stuck behind Leclerc, Hamilton couldn`t significantly close the gap to Antonelli. Later, in the final laps, he was instructed to allow his teammate to repass.
After doing so, when informed of his gap to the following Williams, Hamilton sarcastically inquired if the team also wanted him to `let Sainz through as well`.
When speaking to journalists in Miami, Hamilton was asked if he had spoken with team principal Vasseur prior to his post-race interviews.
He responded by saying:
`Fred visited my room. I simply placed my hand on his shoulder and commented, `mate, relax. Don`t be so sensitive.“
He elaborated:
`I could have been much harsher over the radio. You hear what other drivers have said previously. Some of my comments were merely sarcasm.`
He explained:
`It`s crucial to understand that we`re under immense pressure inside the cars. You won`t always receive the most serene messages when you`re in the thick of the competition.`
Hamilton: `I Won`t Apologise for Being a Fighter!`
Hamilton has faced a significantly frustrating start to his Ferrari tenure since his high-profile move to the Italian squad after twelve years with Mercedes.
Apart from securing Sprint pole and victory at the second event of the season in China, the beginning of this partnership between arguably the sport`s most renowned driver and team has been challenging.
Hamilton`s highest finish in a Grand Prix has been fifth in Bahrain. Miami, however, marked a new low point for Ferrari, a team many expected to compete for championships this year, as both Hamilton and Leclerc had significant difficulties in qualifying.
Hamilton clarified that a lot of his radio frustration during Sunday`s race stemmed from the team`s overall performance challenges, and he asserted he would `not apologise for being a fighter`.
He commented:
`I`m not sure what will be written, whether it`s suggested I was disrespectful or anything similar. Honestly, I don`t believe I was.`
He stated:
`My feeling was simply, `come on, everyone. I want to win`. That drive is still strong within me. I felt some of that passion emerge during the race, and I have no intention of apologising for being competitive or for still having that desire.`
He continued:
`I know the entire team shares that feeling. I genuinely believe that once we address some of the issues with the car, we`ll be able to contend with Mercedes and the Red Bulls.`
He concluded:
`That improvement can`t happen soon enough. We plan to try new things at the upcoming race and will continue refining our procedures. I`m looking forward to a point where perhaps I can challenge for a podium finish; that would be great.`
Charles Leclerc Comments on the Incident
While Leclerc had comfortably outperformed Hamilton in the preceding three events, he faced similar significant challenges in Miami, expressing disappointment in interviews on both Friday and Saturday.
In this instance, the Monegasque driver remained calmer over the radio compared to Hamilton, though he also expressed doubts about the team`s procedural decisions.
Leclerc commented:
`It`s a complicated situation. Regrettably, I`ll give the less exciting answer and won`t discuss it extensively.`
He stated:
`Clearly, this isn`t how we aim to manage a race. We plan to discuss this internally to ensure we make improved decisions going forward.`
Leclerc affirmed:
`There are absolutely no hard feelings towards Lewis. As a team, we simply need to perform better, and today served as evidence of that.`
He concluded:
`I`m putting in my utmost effort. I`m giving everything I can to help us become a better team, develop a better car, and improve overall. That`s where our focus lies.`
