Hamilton rages on the radio over Ferrari Dutch GP strategy as Leclerc disobeys orders
Photo: Race Pictures
Updated:
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Henry Eccles is a freelance Formula 1 journalist for GPblog, covering breaking news, live race blogs, and features across the F1 calendar. Since joining in 2026, he has produced high-volume reporting on the sport’s biggest stories, alongside feature pieces including analysis and historical content.
Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton had plenty to say over the radio during the Dutch GP, which saw the seven-time world champion finish P4 amid frustration with the Scuderia's strategy, and his teammate Charles Leclerc's failure to obey Ferrari team orders.
Hamilton's frustrations began on Lap 42, as he trailed just behind Leclerc with a four-lap tyre offset on his teammate, and lapping much faster than the Monegasque. "I'm quicker than Charles. Tyres are better," Hamilton told his race engineer Carlo Santi.
Leclerc was subsequently asked to pit by Ferrari, much to the 28-year-old's dismay. With crew members waiting by the pit lane, Leclerc continued on. A furious Hamilton shouted on the radio: "We are just losing time.”
On Lap 44, Leclerc pitted after a second order to come in, actually suffering a slow 3.4s stop and emerging in P6 - he later finished a place ahead. A sarcastic Hamilton was not over the situation: "Great way of wasting time guys, good job,” was his next message on the radio.
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Hamilton's furious 'guinea pig' radio message at Dutch GP
Later, with around 20 laps to go of a 72-lap race, Ferrari were weighing up another stop for Hamilton, now in the lead, as Kimi Antonelli and Lando Norris pursued. Santi said: "We are thinking something different. Happy to go to a new medium."
A tetchy Hamilton then responded, wary of Leclerc's lack of pace earlier on the medium tyres: "It didn't look great on Charles. It's slower. But you guys have got the data, so figure it out. Please."
Hamilton was losing two seconds a lap on his older tyres moments before a late VSC eventually allowed him to emerge ahead of Leclerc. "Are you using me as a guinea pig or what? What's going on? How long will you have me stay out?" Hamilton's message before his P4 finish.
It could have been a podium for the former Mercedes driver, but an even later Virtual Safety Car conspired to keep him behind former teammate Russell, thus losing ground in his bid to win an eighth Drivers' title.
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