Guenther Steiner, former Haas Formula 1 team principal, believes Lewis Hamilton did himself no favours with his frustrated team radio messages during the Dutch Grand Prix. According to Steiner, the tone of frustration Hamilton displayed mid-race was counterproductive, both for himself and for his relationship with the team.
At Zandvoort, Lewis Hamilton was heard urging his team to let him pass teammate Charles Leclerc, who was on a different strategy. When the team finally called Leclerc into the pits, Hamilton complained that too much time had been wasted. Even when asked to stay out on old hard tyres, he sarcastically questioned if he was being used as a "guinea pig".
Speaking on The Red Flags Podcast, Steiner compared how Ferrari handled the situation with his former team, Mercedes. "They (Mercedes) had the discussion before and obviously that discussion was not as heated as that one after for Ferrari because when you go into the drivers before the race and tell them what is what," he said. Steiner felt Ferrari lacked detail in preparing its drivers for potential team order scenarios, leading to chaos on track.
While acknowledging Ferrari could have prepared better, Steiner still criticised Hamilton's attitude. "I don't think Lewis helped himself being so critical because when you're sitting on the pitwall and you hear that, it's like, 'Oh this guy's actually trying to vouch too much for himself. He doesn't see the team anymore here,'" Steiner explained. He suggested Hamilton should have asked more politely, for instance by saying he was faster and deserved to be let through, rather than accusing the team of costing him time.
Hamilton later responded to the criticism on social media. "I've listened back to some of my radio and TV comments. In the heat of the moment, frustration can come out, especially when you care as deeply as I do," he posted on Instagram. "But that wasn't the best version of me. I take responsibility for that, and I'll be better. That passion comes from believing 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 absolutely still on."
Steiner's comments add to the spotlight on Ferrari's internal dynamics as they strive to improve. With Hamilton finding his rhythm but still adapting to the car, effective communication between driver and team is crucial to avoid similar mistakes in the future. The pressure in the paddock is mounting, given the high expectations on the Hamilton-Leclerc pairing this season.
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