Ferrari Defends Team Orders Amid Hamilton and Leclerc’s Frustrations at Miami GP

The Miami Grand Prix was filled with tension, particularly between Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. The race was marked by a dramatic exchange of radio messages and team orders, as both drivers voiced their displeasure with the team’s strategy during the race. Hamilton, in particular, was vocal about his frustration, claiming he could have said much worse over the radio, while Leclerc’s disappointment was equally apparent. Despite the drama, Ferrari’s team principal, Frederic Vasseur, defended the decisions made by his team, insisting that they executed the strategy well and had their drivers’ best interests at heart.

A Tense Situation: The Team Order Drama

The situation unfolded as Hamilton, trailing behind his teammate Leclerc, requested to pass in the middle of the race to try and catch Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli for sixth place. However, Ferrari did not allow him to pass immediately, which caused Hamilton to vent his frustration. He sarcastically asked if he should also let Carlos Sainz’s Williams car pass him while he was at it. The result was that the Ferrari drivers finished in seventh and eighth positions, both far behind the race leaders.

Hamilton’s frustrations didn’t stop there. After the race, he revealed that he had told Vasseur not to be “so sensitive” and that he wouldn’t apologize for his competitive nature. His comments highlighted the emotional rollercoaster that comes with the intensity of Formula 1 racing, especially when the drivers are pushing for every possible advantage on track.

Vasseur’s Defense of Ferrari’s Strategy

Despite the tensions, Ferrari’s team principal, Frederic Vasseur, stood by the decision to implement team orders, explaining that it was a necessary step to improve Hamilton’s chances of advancing in the race. Vasseur explained that the team allowed Hamilton to pass Leclerc because Hamilton was on a softer tire compound, which gave him the potential to close the gap to Antonelli ahead. According to Vasseur, this strategy was a calculated move to give Hamilton a chance to overtake, with the understanding that the drivers would swap back later in the race, as per Ferrari’s internal rules.

Vasseur pointed out that such decisions are not made lightly and acknowledged the frustrations of both Hamilton and Leclerc, who are used to racing for victories. He said, “We are asking them to let their teammate go. It’s not easy, it’s never easy. We took the responsibility to do it because it’s the policy of the team.” Vasseur further emphasized that the decisions made during the race were in the best interest of the team and that Ferrari had executed them well, despite the backlash.

Hamilton’s Competitive Spirit

Hamilton’s comments following the race further illustrated the tension between him and Ferrari’s team leadership. Despite the team’s strategic decisions, Hamilton’s competitive nature made it clear that he was not happy with the way the situation unfolded. He referred back to previous instances, such as the 2023 Chinese Grand Prix, where he had moved over for Leclerc, suggesting that his willingness to sacrifice his position was not always reciprocated.

In his post-race radio exchange, Hamilton sarcastically said, “have a tea break while you’re at it, come on!” These remarks, coupled with his overall frustration, painted a picture of a driver eager to push for every position and unwilling to back down from a fight, even if it means challenging team orders.

Vasseur: Trust and Communication

Despite the heated moments during the race, Vasseur maintained that he had a strong working relationship with both Hamilton and Leclerc. He stressed that there was no animosity between the drivers and himself, pointing to the trust they had developed over their years in the sport. Vasseur explained that he and Hamilton had known each other since their time in GP2, the championship that preceded Formula 1, and that they shared mutual respect. He reiterated that, when it came to making decisions for the team, it was always about what was best for Ferrari, not individual drivers.

Vasseur also highlighted the challenges of making quick decisions during a race. “You have to decide which is the fastest track, if it’s coming from the DRS or not,” he explained. In the heat of the moment, these decisions are not always perfect, but they are made with the information available in real-time. Despite Hamilton and Leclerc’s frustration, Vasseur expressed confidence that the team’s choices were sound and in line with Ferrari’s racing policies.

Ferrari’s Current Performance and Challenges Ahead

While the team order drama took center stage, Vasseur was quick to emphasize that the bigger issue for Ferrari was their overall pace. The team finished nearly a minute behind race winner Oscar Piastri, and the gap between McLaren’s one-two finish and Ferrari’s seventh and eighth place finish was stark. McLaren’s dominant performance left Ferrari trailing 152 points behind them after just six races.

Leclerc, who finished seventh, was 20 seconds behind Mercedes’ George Russell, highlighting Ferrari’s struggle to compete with the top teams. However, Vasseur pointed out that Ferrari’s race pace was comparable to that of Red Bull and Mercedes when not stuck in traffic. The team’s primary challenge was qualifying performance, where they were unable to secure better starting positions. Vasseur also acknowledged that McLaren’s pace was on another level and that Ferrari’s objective was to improve qualifying and position themselves better for race day.

Looking Ahead: Ferrari’s Focus on the Future

As the season progresses, Ferrari’s main goal will be to improve their overall performance, particularly in qualifying. The team will need to address their struggles with tire management and position themselves better to challenge the likes of Red Bull, Mercedes, and McLaren. While the team orders issue will continue to be a point of contention for drivers like Hamilton and Leclerc, Ferrari’s priority remains improving their pace and returning to competitive form in the upcoming races.

In conclusion, the Miami Grand Prix offered a glimpse into the complexities of team dynamics and the challenges of managing two highly competitive drivers. Despite the frustrations expressed by Hamilton and Leclerc, Ferrari’s leadership stands firm in their decisions, confident that their team orders were in the best interest of the team. Going forward, the focus will shift to refining performance and returning to the podium, where Ferrari’s champions belong.