Lewis Hamilton Frustrated by Team Orders Dispute During Miami Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton expressed his frustration during the Miami Grand Prix after a radio exchange with Ferrari regarding team orders. The seven-time world champion felt he was held back from passing teammate Charles Leclerc, ultimately impacting his chance to chase down Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli for sixth place. Both Ferrari drivers finished in disappointing seventh and eighth positions, continuing a tough season for the team.
Hamilton made his displeasure known over the radio as he rapidly closed the gap to Leclerc but was not granted permission to overtake. Initially, the pit wall hesitated, leading to Hamilton losing crucial time and tire performance. He later commented, “I lost a lot of time behind Charles… let’s make a decision quick, let’s not waste time.”
After both drivers had passed Carlos Sainz, Hamilton requested to switch positions with Leclerc, only to be told to maintain his position to stay within DRS range. This decision incensed Hamilton, who noted that the call was “not good teamwork,” referencing a previous occasion when he allowed Leclerc to pass during the Chinese Grand Prix.
Eventually, Ferrari relented and allowed Hamilton to overtake Leclerc. By that time, Hamilton felt his tires had already suffered. In a sarcastic tone, he quipped over the radio, “Have a tea break while you’re at it, come on!”—a remark that underscored his growing impatience with the situation.
After the race, Hamilton met with Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur, where he advised him not to “be so sensitive.” He explained that his comments during the race stemmed from the intense pressure drivers face, emphasizing his desire to win. “I won’t apologize for being a fighter,” he stated, reflecting on the challenges he has faced since joining Ferrari after a long stint with Mercedes.
This season has been tough for Hamilton, whose best finish has been fifth place, while Miami marked a low point for Ferrari, who were expected to compete for titles. Hamilton acknowledged that the team needed to address ongoing issues with the car to return to competitiveness and expressed his eagerness to fight for podiums again.
Leclerc, who has outperformed Hamilton in previous races, also voiced concerns about the team’s decision-making, stating, “It’s obvious that’s not the way we want to manage a race.” However, he emphasized that there are “no bad feelings” between him and Hamilton, reiterating the need for the team to improve.
