Hamilton explains frustration with Ferrari strategy at Dutch Grand Prix
Hamilton’s Frustration at Zandvoort
Lewis Hamilton expressed his frustration during the Dutch Grand Prix, particularly regarding strategic decisions made by his team. He finished the race in fourth place, narrowly missing a podium spot. Hamilton’s radio messages during the event highlighted his displeasure, especially after spending several laps behind his teammate, Charles Leclerc.
Hamilton felt he had superior pace by Lap 43 of the 72-lap race, but Leclerc did not immediately yield or pit. Leclerc eventually pitted one lap later, prompting Hamilton to sarcastically radio, “Great waste of time there, guys.” This delay, Hamilton believes, cost him valuable time that could have secured a third-place finish.
The situation intensified later when Hamilton questioned a pit stop call under a Virtual Safety Car, asking if he was being used as a “guinea pig” before being called in. After the race, Hamilton indicated that the delay behind Leclerc cost him approximately 1.5-2 seconds, which he felt was the difference between finishing third and fourth.
Comparing Strategies: Ferrari vs. Mercedes
Hamilton drew a direct comparison between his team’s approach and that of his former team, Mercedes. He noted that Mercedes executed a team order swiftly during the closing stages of the race, allowing Kimi Antonelli to pass George Russell. Hamilton observed that Mercedes drivers received and executed calls immediately, enabling Antonelli to continue his race effectively.
“I want to win,” Hamilton stated, explaining his competitive drive. He highlighted the contrast, saying, “It is difficult when you see… when you’re looking ahead and you see the two Mercedes drivers, they get the call and it’s done and they execute straight away.” He added that his situation was different, and he planned to discuss it with the team offline.
Fred Vasseur, the team boss, did not initially view the delay behind Leclerc as critical, considering the plan was for Hamilton to stay out until the end. However, a virtual safety car later provided Hamilton with a discounted pit stop, altering the race’s dynamics.
Leclerc’s Perspective and Championship Implications
Leclerc, on the other hand, was also not entirely pleased with the strategy. He was called into the pits as an alternative solution but was unconvinced by the timing. Leclerc had been behind Russell and was surprised to be called in two laps after Russell’s pit stop, believing it counteracted the strategy of building a tyre offset against the Mercedes driver.
Leclerc acknowledged that the subsequent virtual safety car timing was unlucky but continued to question the second pit stop. He stated, “For me, it was very important to create a tyre delta to the Mercedes in order to come back strong at the end. We didn’t quite do that, so we need to look at why.” He also mentioned that sometimes he would be frustrated, and sometimes Hamilton would be, as it is part of racing.
Hamilton emphasised the importance of every point in a championship fight, stating, “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.” He is currently 59 points behind Antonelli in the standings.
Despite the frustrations, Hamilton praised his team’s car performance, noting the close competition at the top. He expressed confidence in the team’s efforts to improve the power unit, hoping to be even more competitive. He also pointed out that Mercedes was gaining approximately four tenths of a second on the straight, making it challenging to compensate elsewhere.
Hamilton’s goal remains to lead his team to the championship, acknowledging that there is work to be done. He indicated that the last few races have been difficult, including penalties, and the time lost behind Leclerc ultimately made a difference in the outcome of the Dutch Grand Prix.
Source: formula1.com
Priya Menon 