Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton: No Bad Feelings Despite Controversial Strategy Calls
The Miami Grand Prix witnessed an intriguing dance between Ferrari teammates, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. A series of strategic calls left both drivers swapping positions, causing a stir among fans and experts alike.
Hamilton’s Tyre Complaints and the Strategy Swap
Hamilton voiced his discontent over team radio, expressing his need to pass Leclerc due to their differing tyre compounds. Despite being on medium tyres, Hamilton felt he should overtake Leclerc, who was on hard tyres. However, the seven-time world champion found himself stuck behind Leclerc, growing increasingly frustrated.
Eventually, Leclerc was instructed to let Hamilton through. However, after failing to catch Andrea Kimi Antonelli in sixth place, the positions were reversed.
Leclerc’s Perspective and Ferrari’s Need for Improvement
Leclerc claimed he was unaware of Hamilton’s complaints and has no issues with his teammate. Instead, he emphasized that Ferrari itself needs to improve in such situations. “I knew Lewis was on a medium, so if anything, he would struggle more than me to go the distance,” said Leclerc.
He acknowledged Hamilton’s desire to try something different with his medium tyres but stressed there were no hard feelings. “If I had been in his position, I would have done the same thing,” he added.
Leclerc expressed the need for better team coordination in such situations. “We need to do better,” he said. “Today was not ideal and far from maximizing our potential.
The Impact of Competition and Radio Communication
Leclerc admitted that the competition for minor points positions added to his frustration. “There was already the frustration that I was fighting for eighth place at the time, and I wasn’t making any gains,” he said.
He acknowledged the impact of radio communication, stating, “The radio is not always the real picture.” Leclerc focused on managing his tyres and maintaining his position, despite the challenges posed by Hamilton and Carlos Sainz.
