In the aftermath of a turbulent Miami Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton convened a sudden meeting with Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur to address escalating tensions within the team. The seven-time world champion, who finished eighth in the race, expressed frustration over strategic decisions, particularly the delayed team orders that hindered his progress against teammate Charles Leclerc and Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli.
During the race, Hamilton’s exasperation was evident over team radio, where he sarcastically suggested the engineers “have a cup of tea” amid sluggish decision-making. Post-race, he defended his outburst, stating, “I won’t apologize for being a fighter,” emphasizing his competitive spirit and the high-pressure environment of Formula 1.
The private meeting with Vasseur aimed to clear the air and reinforce mutual trust. Vasseur acknowledged the emotional intensity drivers face and underscored the importance of timely decisions and clear communication.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was significantly influenced by his longstanding relationship with Vasseur, dating back to their successful collaborations in Formula 3 and GP2. He previously stated that the transfer “wouldn’t have happened” without Vasseur’s presence at Ferrari.
As the team prepares for the upcoming Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, both Hamilton and Vasseur are focused on resolving internal challenges and enhancing performance to compete with frontrunners like McLaren and Mercedes.
