Lewis Hamilton’s frustrations with Ferrari strategy spilled over at the 2025 Miami Grand Prix, with the British driver voicing his displeasure over team radio after being held up behind teammate Charles Leclerc during a race that saw Ferrari fighting for the lower end of the points.
Starting 12th on the grid, Hamilton made steady progress in the early laps and switched to medium tyres midway through the race in Miami.
As he caught up to Leclerc, who was running just ahead, Hamilton quickly began asking questions over the team radio. His intention was clear: he wanted to be allowed through to maximise his tyre advantage and chase down the cars ahead.
“I’m just burning up my tyres behind him,” Hamilton complained. But Ferrari were hesitant to order a position swap, citing DRS as a defensive tool.
“We want to keep the DRS to Charles,” race engineer Riccardo Adami told him, trying to preserve track position from cars further behind.
Tension builds as Ferrari delay position swap
Hamilton, however, was not buying it. “You want me to sit here for the whole race? This is not good teamwork, that’s all I’m gonna say,” he replied sharply, in a tone that made it clear he was growing increasingly impatient.
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After several laps of deliberation, Ferrari eventually let the swap happen, with Leclerc moving aside to allow Hamilton through. But the Briton didn’t let the situation slide quietly.
“In China I got out the way,” Hamilton said, referencing a prior example of cooperation, before adding with clear sarcasm, “Have a tea break while you’re at it.”
Even after the overtake, the Ferrari race strategy debacle continued in Miami as the team later made the call to swap the cars back when it became clear that Hamilton could not close the gap to Kimi Antonelli in sixth.
That decision only added to Hamilton’s irritation, prompting him to sarcastically ask, “Do you want me to let him past as well?” when informed that Carlos Sainz was close behind.
The team’s handling of the situation drew criticism, with their race strategy execution again under the spotlight in a season where rivals like McLaren and Mercedes appear sharper.
Hamilton ultimately finished eighth, one place behind Leclerc, with Sainz and Yuki Tsunoda completing the top ten.
