Storm at Ferrari: Hamilton and Vasseur in Heated post-Race exchange….read more
Lewis Hamilton has revealed that he had to tell Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur to ‘calm down’, after some tense moments with the F1 team during the Miami Grand Prix.
Lewis Hamilton has disclosed that he had a candid post-race conversation with Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur, following a tense series of events during the Miami Grand Prix. According to Hamilton, Vasseur approached him after the race, seemingly upset about the Briton’s pointed radio comments during the event. Hamilton recounted responding by placing a hand on Vasseur’s shoulder and saying, “Dude, calm down. Don’t be so sensitive.” He added that his remarks were mild compared to what other drivers have said over the radio under pressure.
The friction stemmed from a controversial team strategy call. After switching to a fresh set of medium tyres and setting the fastest lap, Hamilton requested to be let past teammate Charles Leclerc to chase down Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli. However, Ferrari hesitated, taking four laps to authorize the swap. Frustrated by the delay, Hamilton sarcastically quipped over team radio: “Have a tea break while you’re at it,” expressing his discontent with the slow decision-making.
Later in the race, the team reversed the order, putting Leclerc ahead again, who went on to finish seventh. Hamilton ended in eighth and responded cheekily when reminded about the gap to Carlos Sainz, asking, “Do you want me to let him through as well?” His remarks were interpreted as signs of growing frustration—not just with the Miami strategy, but with Ferrari’s overall lack of competitiveness in 2025.
Hamilton attempted to downplay the tension, explaining that radio messages are often emotionally charged due to the intensity of racing. “Some of it was sarcasm,” he said. “You’re never going to get the most peaceful messages coming through in the heat of the battle. It was fine.”
Ferrari’s performance continues to raise concerns. Instead of challenging for podiums, the iconic team now finds itself slipping into a fight for fourth in the constructors’ standings, with teams like Williams starting to pose a serious threat. This is far from the vision many had when Hamilton signed on to join the Maranello squad, hoping to revive the Scuderia’s championship hopes and pursue an elusive eighth world title.
After the race, Vasseur addressed the situation from his perspective, emphasizing the importance of internal clarity and trust. “My concern is not what he says to the media—it’s what we say between each other,” Vasseur noted. “He can trust me, I can trust him, and the same with Charles. When I take a decision, it’s for Ferrari.”
