At the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton expressed frustration over a Ferrari tyre strategy that he believes contributed to his unexpected exit in Q2 qualifying. Despite this, former driver Ralf Schumacher criticized Hamilton, suggesting that the seven-time World Champion should take responsibility for the strategy choices instead of blaming the team. Schumacher argued that Hamilton, with his experience and influence, had the ability to demand a different approach but failed to do so, a behavior Schumacher links to Hamilton’s previous years at Mercedes.
Hamilton’s Qualifying Struggles Amid Tyre Selection Debate
During the lead-up to qualifying, Hamilton and his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc looked strong enough to challenge for pole position, with Hamilton topping one of the Friday practice sessions. However, Hamilton did not reach the final qualifying round, while Leclerc experienced a crash early in Q3. Hamilton had voiced concerns about running on soft tyres in Q2, pointing out that switching to medium tyres would have been more effective given the conditions.
The medium tyre was just much quicker,
Hamilton stated.
He added that the team originally planned for Leclerc to use medium tyres in his second Q2 run but changed plans when others stayed on medium compounds, resulting in most of the top ten running three sets of medium tyres.
We knew that the medium was quicker by, they said it was about three-tenths or something like that, and it felt great, and we should have run it in Q2.
Schumacher Insists Hamilton Must Own the Mistake
Schumacher said Hamilton should accept responsibility for the strategy error because, with his status, he can call for the tyre choice he believes optimal. Speaking on Sky Deutschland’s Backstage Boxengasse podcast, Schumacher emphasized the power a driver of Hamilton’s stature has in decision-making.
He has to take the blame himself,
Schumacher declared.
I wasn’t a seven-time World Champion. I only won a few races. But, if I wanted a certain tyre, I got it. There were no discussions at all.
Schumacher further suggested that Hamilton might have fallen into a mindset shaped during his time at Mercedes, where decisions were often dictated without driver input, limiting the agency Hamilton displayed with Ferrari.
That would fit the image that was often a theme with Toto Wolff: ‘Drivers are there to drive. We don’t involve them in decisions at all; we just tell them what to do,’
he explained.
Lewis has to assert himself and not look for the mistake elsewhere. Then qualifying will look different – that’s what you’d expect from a seven-time World Champion.
Race Outcome and Aftermath of Strategy Decisions
Starting the race from 12th on the grid, Hamilton finished in eighth place, although it was initially recorded as ninth. During the race, Ferrari instructed Hamilton to yield position to Leclerc before the finish line, but Hamilton was unable to comply. These strategic complications further highlighted the tense dynamic within the Ferrari team.
This incident has sparked discussion around the team’s internal decision-making and driver interactions, with team principal Fred Vasseur already responding to the perceived misjudgement of the Hamilton-Leclerc team orders.
Implications for Hamilton and Ferrari Moving Forward
Ralf Schumacher’s critique raises important questions about Lewis Hamilton’s assertiveness in race strategy, particularly within the Ferrari environment where he is expected to lead. Hamilton’s handling of the Baku weekend, marked by strategic disagreements and qualifying disappointments, suggests a need for clearer communication and stronger leadership on his part. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix serves as a crucial learning point for Hamilton as he navigates a challenging season and seeks to maximize his performance alongside Charles Leclerc.
