Lewis Hamilton harshly criticized his Ferrari team at the Dutch Grand Prix: Now the record-holding world champion is apologizing for his words
Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton was visibly frustrated after the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort: The Briton had already been ranting at his team over the radio during the race and continued to criticize his Ferrari crew in subsequent TV interviews after the race.
But just 24 hours after the checkered flag fell, Hamilton suddenly backtracked—and apologized to his crew. “I’ve listened back to some of my radio messages and TV comments,” the record-holding world champion wrote on social media on Monday.
“In the heat of the moment, frustration can surface, especially when something is as close to your heart as it is to mine,” Hamilton said. “But that wasn’t the best side of me. I take responsibility for that and will do better.”
“This passion stems from my belief in this team, the people in it, and what we’re building together. The direction is clear. The belief is there. And the fight is definitely not over yet.” Although the Ferrari driver has dropped to third place in the Drivers’ Championship, he is tied on points with Mercedes driver George Russell.
Lewis Hamilton is “incredibly proud” of Ferrari
“It was a tough weekend, but we’re taking home valuable points for the team—and signs that we’re moving in the right direction,” the Briton remains optimistic, even though the gap to championship leader Kimi Antonelli has now grown to 59 points.
“I’m incredibly proud of everyone back at the factory who continuously delivers updates, improves performance, and keeps us moving forward,” Hamilton continues. “A big thank you also to the team at the track: Your dedication and hard work don’t go unnoticed.”
During the race at Zandvoort, things sounded quite different. Hamilton complained to Ferrari and his teammate Charles Leclerc that he wasn’t being let through when he caught up to the Monegasque driver on fresher tires and lost about three seconds within a few laps.
“I hope you’re not treating me like a guinea pig,” the Ferrari driver radioed to his Italian team in response, and emphasized once again after the race that the collaboration between the two Mercedes drivers had worked significantly better.
Now, however, Hamilton is apologizing and looking forward with confidence to the next race, which, of all places, will be the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. “We still have work to do, especially when it comes to single-lap performance,” the Brit acknowledged, “but we’ll keep working hard, learning, and improving together.”
