Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton launched a scathing attack on Ferrari's race strategy after a catastrophic pit stop miscalculation ended his US Grand Prix prematurely.
Strategic Disaster in Austin
The Mercedes star, who started third on the grid at Austin's Circuit of the Americas, was forced to retire on lap 49 after Ferrari's aggressive tyre strategy backfired spectacularly. Hamilton didn't mince words post-race, labelling the Italian team's decisions "completely useless" in blistering team radio exchanges.
What Went Wrong for Ferrari?
- Premature switch to hard tyres destroyed Hamilton's race pace
- Failed to capitalise on strong qualifying performance
- Strategic blunder handed rivals crucial championship points
"We took a gamble that made no sense," Hamilton told reporters. "The car had potential but the strategy killed our race. Those hard tyres were undriveable - like racing on ice."
Championship Implications
The retirement deals a significant blow to Ferrari's constructors' championship hopes, with rivals Red Bull capitalising to extend their lead. Hamilton's teammate Carlos Sainz managed to salvage fifth place, but the Scuderia now faces an uphill battle in the remaining races.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff admitted: "Today was a wake-up call. We can't afford these kinds of mistakes when the championship is this close."
Fans React to Ferrari Fiasco
Social media exploded with criticism of Ferrari's strategy team, with many fans drawing parallels to their infamous 2018 German Grand Prix blunder. The hashtag #FerrariStrategy topped Twitter trends in the UK for several hours after the race.
