Lewis Hamilton revealed that he advised Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur not to `be so sensitive` following a disagreement over team radio during the Miami Grand Prix.
Hamilton expressed frustration during Sunday`s race when he was not immediately allowed to pass his teammate Charles Leclerc, despite having better pace to potentially challenge Kimi Antonelli`s Mercedes for sixth position.
The seven-time world champion sent multiple radio messages conveying his frustration as the team on the pit wall delayed, initially denied, and then finally approved his request, by which point Hamilton believed his tyres had lost too much performance.
Hamilton explained:
`I lost a lot of time behind Charles, and in that moment, I was definitely thinking, “Come on, let`s make a quick decision, let`s not waste time.”`
`I`m sure some people didn`t appreciate certain comments, but you have to understand, it`s frustrating [in the car].`
After starting 12th and climbing positions, Hamilton was on the faster medium compound tyre after the single pit stop phase, while Leclerc was on the slower hard compound.
After both drivers overtook Carlos Sainz at the same corner to take seventh and eighth place respectively, Hamilton immediately asked the team over the radio to swap their positions.
He was initially told to wait, and then Ferrari communicated that they would maintain the current order, instructing him to stay within DRS range of Leclerc.
Hamilton reacted angrily, stating the decision was `not good teamwork`. He also referenced the Chinese Grand Prix where he had offered to let Leclerc pass when his teammate was faster behind him.
Ferrari eventually reversed their decision and swapped the cars. Around that time, a radio message from Hamilton was broadcast where he sarcastically commented, `Have a tea break while you`re at it, come on!`
Hamilton felt that valuable performance had been lost from his tyres while he was stuck behind Leclerc. He couldn`t significantly reduce the gap to Antonelli and was later instructed to let Leclerc overtake him again in the final laps.
After complying, Hamilton was told about the gap to the trailing cars and sarcastically inquired if the team also wanted him to `let Sainz through as well`.
Speaking to the media in Miami, Hamilton was asked if he had spoken to team principal Vasseur after the race. He responded:
`Fred came to my room. I just put my hand on his shoulder and said, “Dude, calm down. Don`t be so sensitive.”
`I could have said much worse things on the radio. You hear what other drivers have said in the past. Some of [my comments] were sarcasm.` He emphasized the pressure, saying, `You have to understand, we are under immense pressure in the cars. You aren`t going to get the calmest messages in the heat of the moment.`
Hamilton: `I Won`t Apologise for Being a Fighter!`
Hamilton`s time at Ferrari has begun with significant frustration following his high-profile move from Mercedes after 12 years.
Except for a Sprint pole and victory in China, the start of this partnership between the renowned driver and famous team has been challenging.
His best Grand Prix result was fifth in Bahrain. Miami marked a particularly low point for Ferrari, a team expected to challenge for championships, as both Hamilton and Leclerc struggled significantly in qualifying.
Hamilton clarified that much of his radio frustration during the race stemmed from the team`s overall performance struggles, reiterating he would not apologize for his `fighting spirit`.
He stated:
`I don`t know what will be written, whether I was disrespectful or not, but I honestly don`t feel I was.`
`It was just me thinking, “Come on, guys. I want to win.” I still have that drive within me. I felt that intensity coming out there, and I won`t apologize for being a competitor, I won`t apologize for still wanting success.`
`I know everyone in the team does too. I truly believe that once we resolve some of the car`s issues, we will be able to compete with Mercedes and Red Bull.`
`It can`t happen soon enough,` he remarked. `We`ll try new approaches at the next race and continue refining our procedures. I`m looking forward to a time when I might be able to contend for a podium finish – that would be great.`
Leclerc on the Incident: `No Bad Feelings for Lewis`
Leclerc had been consistently faster than Hamilton in the preceding three races but also struggled significantly in Miami, appearing downcast in interviews on Friday and Saturday.
This time, the Monegasque driver was the calmer of the two on the radio, although he, like Hamilton, questioned the team`s strategic decisions.
Leclerc commented:
`It`s a difficult situation. I`ll give the less exciting answer and won`t say too much.`
`Clearly, this isn`t how we want to manage a race. We`ll discuss it internally to make better choices.`
`There are no negative feelings towards Lewis, absolutely not. As a team, we simply need to perform better, and today demonstrated that.`
`I`m doing everything I can, giving my all for us to improve as a team, have a better car, and be better overall. That`s our focus.`
