Lewis Hamilton Addresses Frustrated Radio Messages After Difficult Dutch GP: 'I Take Responsibility'

Lewis Hamilton has taken to Instagram to reflect on a difficult Dutch Grand Prix weekend, offering a clear message to the Ferrari team and its supporters while addressing the frustrated radio and post-race comments that drew attention during the Formula 1 race at Zandvoort.

“A tough weekend, but we leave with valuable points for the team and signs that we’re moving in the right direction,” Hamilton wrote. However, the middle section of his Instagram post drew the most attention, as Hamilton acknowledged that his frustration had spilled over in the heat of the moment.

“I’ve listened back to some of my radio and TV comments,” the seven-time world champion added. “In the heat of the moment frustration can come out, especially when you care as deeply as I do. But that wasn’t the best version of me. I take responsibility for that, and I’ll be better.”

The 41-year-old driver was quick to contextualize where that frustration comes from, framing it not as negativity but as a reflection of his belief in the project he is part of. “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.”

What Lewis Hamilton Said on the Team Radio

The frustration first became public during the race itself, when Hamilton found himself stuck behind teammate Charles Leclerc for several laps around lap 43 of the 72-lap event. The Ferrari driver felt he had more pace and was eager to push on, but Leclerc seemed reluctant to let his teammate through and opted not to pit when asked. When Leclerc finally pitted one lap later, releasing Hamilton into clean air, the Briton made his feelings clear over the radio. “Great waste of time there, guys,” he said sarcastically.

Later in the race, Hamilton was also heard voicing frustration when querying whether he would be pitting under a Virtual Safety Car period, asking his engineers: “Are you using me as a guinea pig?” The team ultimately called him in, but Hamilton crossed the line in fourth, narrowly missing out on a podium despite chasing George Russell until the final lap.

Speaking in a post-race interview, Hamilton drew a direct comparison to how Mercedes handled a similar situation between Russell and Antonelli during the same race. “Yeah, I want to win. I’m here to win, and it is difficult when you see… the two Mercedes drivers; they get the call, and it’s done, and they execute straight away. They let Kimi by and let him get on with the race, and I was on a different strategy, and it was not the same here. That’s a little difficult, but we’ll take it offline, and when I go back now I’ll speak to them about it.”

A Message to Ferrari and the Fans

Hamilton also used the post to pay tribute to the team behind the scenes, singling out the factory staff for their continued efforts to bring updates and find performance. “I’m incredibly proud of everyone back at the factory who continues to bring updates, find performance and push us forward. To the team at the track, thank you. The commitment and effort never go unnoticed.”

“We still have work to do, particularly over one lap, but we’ll keep digging in, learning and improving together… Thank you for sticking with us and with me. We’ll keep building, keep pushing and keep fighting.”

He signed off with three words that left little doubt about his mindset heading into the Italian Grand Prix at Monza: “We’re coming.”