Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari found themselves at the center of controversy during the Miami Grand Prix as the seven-time world champion’s frustrated radio messages made headlines, highlighting notable tension within the team. Running a different tyre strategy from his teammate Charles Leclerc, Hamilton quickly closed the gap after the race’s sole pit stop but was not immediately allowed to pass Leclerc, hindering his pursuit of Kimi Antonelli‘s Mercedes for sixth place. Hamilton’s repeated requests over the radio revealed his mounting irritation at Ferrari’s hesitation and delayed decisions, which he believed compromised his tyres and race potential.
The frustration in Hamilton’s voice became clear as he criticized the team‘s approach, describing the coordination as not good teamwork. He referenced an earlier incident from the Chinese Grand Prix when he had promptly let Leclerc through without complaint. His sarcasm became even more apparent when he quipped,
during a long wait for a decision. Later, after being asked to relinquish his position since Leclerc showed stronger pace, Hamilton sarcastically asked if the team wanted him to
pointing to the Williams car trailing behind the Ferraris.
After the race, Hamilton downplayed the incident, admitting to conversations with Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur, during which he advised not to be so sensitive about the radio exchanges.
Hamilton stated, making clear he would not apologize for his remarks. Emphasizing the immense pressure in the cockpit, he explained,
Sky Sports F1’s Ted Kravitz analyzed the situation on The F1 Show, exploring three possible reasons behind Hamilton’s blunt radio behavior.
Ted remarked. The first possibility is that Hamilton feels secure and confident in the team to openly express himself without fear of repercussions. The second scenario suggests Lewis wants to help improve Ferrari’s strategic sharpness, particularly encouraging head of strategy Ravin Jain to be more decisive and communicative with his race engineer. The third, less likely option, is that Hamilton has grown disillusioned and is airing frustrations freely without concern for diplomacy.
Further insight came from former F1 driver Martin Brundle, who noticed Hamilton’s pointed use of the phrase you guys, implying that his frustration was aimed at the Ferrari strategy department rather than his race engineer, Riccardo Adami. Kravitz explained that Ferrari’s strategy crew operates somewhat separately from the race engineers, unlike teams like McLaren where integration is closer.
Kravitz said. He added that if the team was aware of the possibility of Hamilton starting on harder tyres and switching to medium compounds, such scenarios should have been anticipated in pre-race meetings, not causing confusion mid-race.
Brundle reflected on Hamilton’s difficult start to his debut season with Ferrari, a team expected to challenge for championships after his blockbuster move from Mercedes, where he spent 12 years. Aside from a sprint race win in China, Ferrari has struggled to compete for victories in the season’s first six full-length events, with Leclerc’s podium in Saudi Arabia remaining their sole highlight. Brundle noted,
Despite the evident woes, Brundle urged caution, advising Ferrari not to respond to disappointments by making rash changes such as firing Vasseur, whose job is already under scrutiny ahead of Ferrari’s home race at Imola.
Brundle explained.
He continued,
As Ferrari prepares for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, the pressure will intensify on both Hamilton and the team to turn around their rocky start.
