Lewis Hamilton Deserved Better from Ferrari
- By Dr. AK Rana
For Lewis Hamilton, It wasn’t just another Formula 1 race in Miami—it was a chessboard in motion. Ferrari, known for their occasional mid-race comedy sketches (no offense), managed to stir up not only strategy confusion but also the patience of a seven-time world champion.
In the middle of the race, Lewis Hamilton was flying with great pace and rapidly approaching Charles Leclerc. Naturally, he requested a switch—let him go ahead to chase the car in front.
…
“That’s teamwork,” Lewis said.
Why the confidence? Because he had already done exactly that for Leclerc back in China, like a true gentleman.
No complaints.
No request to reclaim the spot later.
Just pure team play.
But Ferrari took their sweet time—two to three laps of radio silence, internal conflict, and indecision.
While Ferrari scratched their heads, the car ahead widened the gap. Eventually, they made the call to switch positions, but the delay had already hurt their chances.
What followed?
Drama.
Charles Leclerc, suddenly not the team’s golden boy for a moment, wasn’t thrilled. He had always been treated as the No. 1 driver—and this switch didn’t sit well.
Almost immediately,
he got on the radio:
…
“My tyres are overheating, tell the guy in front [Hamilton] to drive faster!”
Ouch.
…
Was Ferrari Fair? What Really Happened on Team Radio – Lewis Hamilton
And then came the twist. A few laps later,
Ferrari asked Hamilton to give the position back to Leclerc.
…
Hamilton, surprised and slightly ticked, asked:
“Do you think I can’t chase the car ahead?”
The response?
“Yes.”
That one-word answer shattered more than just race strategy. It questioned Hamilton’s ability, aura, and standing within the team.
You don’t treat Lewis Hamilton like that.
Outcome?
…
Leclerc Couldn’t Chase the Car Anyway
So, what happened next?
Did Charles Leclerc make good use of the gifted position? Did he chase down the car in front?
Nope.
Not even close.
This whole exchange planted a seed of doubt in Hamilton’s mind. He came to Ferrari to rebuild, to revive, and to fight for wins. But here he was, stuck in mid-field politics, while being questioned like an F2 rookie.
…
Lessons from McLaren: Why Piastri Was Told ‘No’
For a contrast in team dynamics, look no further than McLaren in the Japanese Grand Prix. Oscar Piastri was running third, chasing Lando Norris in second, and suggested they switch cars because he felt faster and believed he could challenge Verstappen.
Did McLaren switch?
Nope.
Because a belief is not a guarantee. And taking away positions without proof on track undermines the other driver’s performance. McLaren simply told them to fight it out fairly—and cleanly.
No drama.
No shattered egos.
Just racecraft.
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Team Game or Solo Showdown: What F1 Strategy Should Be
Formula 1 is a team sport.
But when both drivers are neck and neck and chasing the same target, switching positions should never be about assumptions.
…
If you’re faster—prove it.
On track.
Overtake cleanly.
Because when you ask for a switch instead of fighting for it, it breaks the spirit of racing.
Worse, it risks internal harmony.
So yes, Piastri’s request was denied—and rightly so. He improved his pace, refined his qualifying and is winning races!
That’s how you do it.
No shortcuts.
No handouts.
True team play in F1 should mean giving the best tyre strategy, pit stop window, and track advantage to the driver leading after Turn 1. Let the rest play out on merit.
That’s what builds mutual respect and protects morale within the garage. And that’s exactly what Ferrari failed to do in Miami.
Will This Change Hamilton’s Approach at Ferrari?
After the Miami chaos, it’s clear Lewis Hamilton won’t be waiting for team favors anymore.
Don’t expect any “thank you” on the radio. Don’t expect gentleman-like generosity.
Hamilton will now focus on the one area where he’s been slightly lacking—qualifying. With the midfield pack so tightly bunched, track position has become everything.
If you qualify ahead, you don’t have to ask anyone to move aside.
You race.
You lead.
You win.
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also read Why a Podium Finish Is Now Within Reach of Williams?
