Lewis Hamilton was left furious with Ferrari's strategy during the Dutch Grand Prix after getting stuck behind teammate Charles Leclerc. The seven-time world champion wanted to use his superior pace and tyre advantage to overtake Leclerc and bolster his chances of a podium finish and maximise team points.
Hamilton trapped behind Leclerc
Hamilton closed right up behind Leclerc within a couple of laps, finding himself trapped behind his team-mate as the distance to his and Ferrari's competitors widened. He initially suggested the two drivers should exchange the positions, and said: "I'm quicker than Charles. My tyres are better."
Leclerc was reportedly instructed to pit by his team but was surprised and an X-rated response before declining to come in. The Monegasque remained on circuit and continued to impede Hamilton's race.
Radio frustration grows
Hamilton gave a more abrupt message in his subsequent radio communication regarding the team switching positions, fuming and said: "We're just losing time!" But once more no decision was taken on track, with Leclerc ultimately pitting at the conclusion of the lap, freeing Hamilton into open space.
However, the Brit believed the harm had already been inflicted, sarcastically remarking: "Great way of wasting time guys. Good job."
Tyre debate and pit stop
Hamilton's frustration came to light again during a fresh debate about replacing his 23-lap-old tyres, when the pitwall questioned Hamilton about his preferred next tyre compound. He shot back: "You have the data!"
When the moment finally arrived to pit under a Virtual Safety Car after Esteban Ocon was forced to pull his Haas to the side of the track, Hamilton was already furious, demanding: "Are you using me as a guinea pig, or what? What's going on? How long will you have me stay out?"
Race outcome
Hamilton rejoined the circuit ahead of his team-mate, running fourth and fifth respectively, behind Kimi Antonelli, George Russell and race leader Lando Norris. The seven-time world champion fell short of a podium finish, unable to make his soft tyres work against Russell, with Leclerc lurking closely behind in fifth place. Meanwhile, Norris claimed consecutive victories.
