Lewis Hamilton voiced strong criticism of Ferrari's race strategy at the Dutch Grand Prix, asserting that the team's delayed decision to pit Charles Leclerc directly prevented him from securing a podium finish.
Key Points
- Lewis Hamilton believes Ferrari's delayed strategy regarding teammate Charles Leclerc cost him a podium at the Dutch Grand Prix.
- Hamilton finished fourth, closely behind George Russell, while Leclerc finished fifth.
- He expressed frustration over team radio and in post-race interviews, citing "several seconds" lost behind Leclerc.
- Despite the setback, Hamilton remains focused on winning championships and believes in Ferrari's potential.
- The next race is Ferrari's home Grand Prix at Monza, where both Hamilton and Leclerc have won this season.
Lewis Hamilton said he could have been on the podium at Sunday's Dutch Grand Prix had Ferrari acted quicker to get him ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc. The seven-times Formula One world champion ended up a close fourth, losing ground in the championship battle, with Leclerc fifth. McLaren's Lando Norris won, with Mercedes pair Kimi Antonelli and George Russell second and third after they had switched places. Hamilton is now level on points with Russell and 59 behind Antonelli.
Ferrari's Strategy Under Scrutiny
Hamilton had told Ferrari he was quicker than Leclerc on a different tyre strategy but the team delayed doing anything for a lap before pitting Leclerc. "Let’s not hold ourselves up from a potentially better result,” Hamilton said over the radio.
"Big waste of time guys, good job,” he said sarcastically after Leclerc then pitted and the Briton set about catching Russell, finishing less than a second behind.
Hamilton's Frustration And Championship Hopes
Speaking later Hamilton, who joined Ferrari from Mercedes last year, praised his team and said the strategy had been "generally very good" but recognised it had been a frustrating afternoon.
"I'm here to win and I really believe that this team can win. We couldn't win this race but to win championships you have to pick up every point and the last few races have been difficult with penalties and stuff," he told Sky Sports television.
"And then, today, I lost several seconds behind Charles which I think ultimately would have made the difference at the end."
The next race is a home one for Ferrari, at Italy's Monza circuit outside Milan. Leclerc and Hamilton have each won a race so far this season. Ferrari last won a Formula One championship in 2008.
