Lewis Hamilton has openly acknowledged that his remarks about Ferrari during the Dutch Grand Prix did not reflect his best self. The seven‑time champion, who moved from Mercedes to Ferrari in 2025, admitted that his frustration over being held up by teammate Charles Leclerc on a different strategy led to a series of heated radio exchanges and candid television comments that he now regrets. During the race at Zandvoort, Hamilton found himself stuck behind Leclerc for several laps while the two drivers were running on contrasting pit strategies. The delay cost Hamilton valuable time, and he felt the loss ultimately denied him a podium finish.
He eventually crossed the line in fourth place, just behind George Russell, after a dramatic battle for the final podium spot that saw the Mercedes driver unable to overtake the rival in the closing stages. In the aftermath, Hamilton doubled down on his criticism of Ferrari’s race‑craft. He compared the Italian team’s hesitation to move Leclerc aside with the decisive actions taken by the Silver Arrows earlier in the season, when Mercedes ordered Russell to let championship leader Kimi Antonelli pass.
Hamilton argued that Ferrari’s lack of decisive teamwork cost him dearly and that the team’s execution needed to improve if they were to challenge for the title. Reflecting on the weekend in an Instagram post on Monday, Hamilton said: “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. But that wasn’t the best version of me.
I take responsibility for that, and I’ll be better.” He emphasized that his outburst was born of genuine passion for the team and a belief that they are capable of winning, but he also recognized that his emotional response was not constructive. The result of the Dutch Grand Prix widened the gap between Hamilton and the championship leader, Kimi Antonelli, to 59 points. It also dropped Hamilton’s standing in the drivers’ championship to third place, level on points with his former teammate George Russell but behind on race wins.
In the constructors’ championship, Ferrari’s deficit to Mercedes grew to 87 points, underscoring the pressure on the Scuderia to deliver more consistent results. Despite the disappointment, Hamilton remained optimistic about the title fight. He told fans that the battle for the championship was "absolutely still on" and that his commitment to Ferrari remained unwavering. “That passion comes from believing in this team, the people in it, and what we’re building together,” he said.
“The direction is clear. The belief is there. And the fight is absolutely still on. Thank you for sticking with us and with me.
We’ll keep building, keep pushing and keep fighting.” Ferrari’s technical department continued to demonstrate progress throughout the season, unveiling a new floor and diffuser for the Zandvoort event. Hamilton praised the factory’s work, noting that the updates had delivered tangible performance gains. “I’m incredibly proud of everyone back at the factory who continues to bring updates, find performance and push us forward,” he said. “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.” Former teammate Nico Rosberg, now a Sky Sports F1 analyst, echoed Hamilton’s concerns about Ferrari’s race execution. Rosberg argued that the team possesses the speed to achieve much better results but often falls short due to small mistakes and inconsistent decision‑making.
“Ferrari have been top‑five all the time but there’s a feeling after every weekend of ‘what could have been,’” Rosberg said. “Even in the last couple of races – Hungary I felt Lewis could have won that if things had gone his way, and this weekend they were a bit more off the pace, but only in qualifying. In the race they were fast. They keep on just not maximising weekends and that’s how Lewis seems a bit frustrated, and also Charles.
It’s very little things that seem to add up all the time. They’ve got to improve that and on the execution side just nail it because they can really, just with that, get much better results.” The Dutch Grand Prix was won by McLaren’s Lando Norris, marking a third consecutive race where Hamilton failed to reach the podium.
Nonetheless, the 41‑year‑old remains determined to stay in contention for the 2026 championship. He highlighted the importance of teamwork, development, and resilience as the season approaches its climax. Looking ahead, the next challenge for Ferrari is the home race at Monza, scheduled for September 4‑6.
The Italian Grand Prix will be a crucial test of the team’s ability to translate their technical advancements into race‑day success. Hamilton and his crew will be under intense scrutiny as they aim to close the gap to Mercedes and keep the championship battle alive.
In summary, Hamilton’s post‑race reflections reveal a driver who is both self‑critical and fiercely loyal to his team. While he acknowledges that his emotional outburst was not his finest moment, he also uses it as a catalyst to push for better communication, strategic clarity, and execution within Ferrari. The upcoming races will determine whether these internal adjustments can translate into the podium finishes and points needed to challenge for the title.