Lewis Hamilton furiously slammed Ferrari's strategy during the Dutch Grand Prix, leaving the seven-time world champion frustrated and compromised behind team-mate Charles Leclerc.
Hamilton took aim at Ferrari's inability to act quickly and allow him to use his quicker speed and tyre offset to pass Leclerc, strengthening his claim for a podium finish and maximising team points. He raced up behind Leclerc over a couple of laps, stuck behind his team-mate as the gap to their rivals grew.
Radio Messages Reveal Growing Frustration
Hamilton initially suggested the team should swap positions, saying: "I'm quicker than Charles. My tyres are better." Leclerc was seemingly told to box but reacted bemused with an X-rated reply and failed to pit, staying out and continuing to hinder Hamilton's progress.
Hamilton sent a clearer message about swapping positions, slamming: "We're just losing time." Again no decision was made on track, with Leclerc eventually pitting at the end of the lap, releasing Hamilton into clear air. Yet Hamilton felt the damage had been done, sarcastically saying: "Great way of wasting time guys. Good job."
Pitwall Dispute Over Tyres
Discussions then started over replacing his 23-lap-old tyres, sparking another argument when the pitwall asked Hamilton what tyre to go on next. He snapped: "You have the data!"
When the time came to pit under a Virtual Safety Car after Esteban Ocon was forced to pull his Haas to the side of the track, Hamilton was enraged and slammed: "Are you using me as a guinea pig, or what. What's going on?! How long will you have me stay out?!"
