(Motorsport-Total.com) – Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton was visibly upset after the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort: The Brit was already complaining to his team via radio during the race and also criticized his Ferrari team again in the subsequent TV interviews after the race.
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But just 24 hours after the checkered flag fell, Hamilton suddenly backtracks – and apologizes to his crew. “I listened to some of my radio messages and TV comments again,” the record world champion wrote on Monday on social media.
“In the heat of the moment, frustration can come out, especially when something means as much to you as it does to me,” said Hamilton. “But that was not my best side. I take responsibility for it and will improve.”
“This passion comes from believing in this team, the people in it, and what we are building together. The direction is clear. The belief is there. And the fight is definitely not over yet.” The Ferrari driver has fallen back to third place in the drivers’ championship, but is tied on points with Mercedes driver George Russell.
Lewis Hamilton is “incredibly proud” of Ferrari
“It was a tough weekend, but we take valuable points for the team – and signs that we are moving in the right direction,” the Brit remains optimistic, even though the gap to championship leader Kimi Antonelli has now grown to 59 points.
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“I am incredibly proud of everyone at the factory who continuously delivers updates, improves performance, and pushes us forward,” Hamilton continues. “Thanks also to the team at the racetrack: Your dedication and hard work do not go unnoticed.”
During the race in Zandvoort, it sounded quite different. Hamilton complained to Ferrari and teammate Charles Leclerc that he was not let through when he caught up to the Monegasque with fresher tires and lost about three seconds within a few laps.
“I hope you are not treating me like a guinea pig,” the Ferrari driver then radioed to his Italian team and emphasized again after the race that the cooperation between the two Mercedes drivers had worked much better.
But now Hamilton apologizes and looks confidently to the next race, which will be the Italian Grand Prix in Monza. “We still have work to do, especially regarding performance over a single lap,” the Brit knows, “but we will continue to work hard, learn, and improve together.”
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