In the wake of the Miami Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton finds himself under scrutiny from several corners, notably from former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher. The seven-time world champion finished the race in eighth place, a position that has sparked criticism regarding his conduct during the event.
Hamilton's radio communications during the race were particularly pointed, leading to a backlash from Schumacher. After the race, Hamilton reflected on his messages over the team radio, stating, "I could have said way worse things on the radio. You can hear some of the things other people have said in the past. It was just... some of it was sarcasm," as reported by GPblog among others.
During the race, Hamilton expressed a desire to be in free air and requested that Ferrari's Charles Leclerc let him pass. After three laps, the Ferrari team did ask Leclerc to swap positions with Hamilton, but the situation became more complicated as they later decided to change the positions again. This back-and-forth highlighted the tension and strategy involved in the race.
Ralf Schumacher was not impressed with Hamilton's behavior, stating, "Mimimi Hamilton, he missed the mark a bit. Wanting to overtake is one thing; he was indeed faster at that moment. But then give the place back later without resisting. And don't pretend afterwards that you meant it sarcastically. Instead, you just say: ‘I'm sorry’. This really shouldn't have happened, given his experience and age. He could have acted a bit wiser. I think that would have suited him better," during the Boxengasse podcast of Sky Sports Germany.
Schumacher's comments reflect a broader concern about Hamilton's performance and demeanor, especially as he adjusts to life at Ferrari after a long tenure with Mercedes. The pressure seems to be weighing heavily on Hamilton, who at 40 years old, is expected to demonstrate a level of maturity and leadership that aligns with his extensive experience in the sport.
Adding to the mix, Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur addressed the situation, indicating that he spoke to Hamilton before the media engagement to emphasize the importance of trust within the team, particularly between Hamilton and Leclerc. This need for cohesion is paramount as Ferrari navigates a challenging season. Vasseur stated that both drivers must trust each other if they are to succeed.
Schumacher also observed that Hamilton's sharp radio messages, including an accusation that the pitwall was taking "a tea break" while deliberating on whether to allow him to overtake Leclerc, could strain relationships within the team. He expressed concern that Hamilton's demands do not match his current performance level, saying, "The people at Ferrari have gotten to know Hamilton internally a bit now. And such behaviour naturally strains the relationship. This will stick, and he has to recognise that himself. His strong words on the radio, his demands, they don't really match his performance at the moment."
Charles Leclerc, who was also frustrated during the Miami race, adopted a more measured tone in his communications with the media. Schumacher noted that Leclerc's frustration was palpable, but he managed to maintain a level of professionalism that Hamilton seemed to lack at times. He remarked, "Leclerc was very frustrated in Miami too. I expect the pressure to be very high at Imola - in Italy. Ferrari is also going there with an update, and it has to work. Team boss Fred Vasseur is already under a lot of pressure."
As the F1 circus heads to Imola, all eyes will be on Hamilton and Ferrari. The team is expected to bring updates to improve their performance, and the pressure is mounting for both drivers to deliver results. Hamilton's ability to manage his frustrations and communicate effectively with his team will be crucial as they aim to turn their season around.
In conclusion, the Miami Grand Prix has raised questions about Hamilton's current state in the sport and his ability to adapt to the challenges posed by his new team. With the next race on the horizon, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see if Hamilton can rise above the scrutiny and deliver a performance that reflects his championship pedigree.
