Lewis Hamilton has expressed significant frustration with Ferrari’s strategic decisions during the Dutch Grand Prix, stating that a podium finish was compromised. The seven-time world champion finished fourth at Circuit Zandvoort on Sunday, narrowly missing third place. Hamilton believes a bizarre team decision cost him a stronger result.
The core of Hamilton’s discontent stemmed from being held behind his Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc, during a crucial phase of the race. Hamilton was on significantly fresher tyres and requested to be allowed past to continue his attack.
Leclerc remained on track for two laps despite Hamilton’s requests, before eventually pitting. This delay drew a sharp reaction from Hamilton over team radio, who stated, ‘Great way of wasting time, good job.’
Leclerc later clarified that he had been instructed by the team to stay out, not to cede position to Hamilton. He indicated that he was in an undercut/overcut battle with George Russell at the time and was surprised by the timing of his own pit call.
Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur had previously indicated that team orders might be necessary in the latter half of the 2026 season to maximise championship chances. This stance was intended to ensure the team prioritised overall results.
The race was won by McLaren’s Lando Norris, who secured his second consecutive victory. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli finished second, extending his lead in the Drivers’ Championship. George Russell completed the podium in third.
Mercedes demonstrated a contrasting approach to team strategy during the race. Russell was instructed to allow Antonelli past under a Virtual Safety Car period to optimise their points haul, a move Hamilton noted.
The Dutch Grand Prix saw two Virtual Safety Car deployments. The first was for Esteban Ocon’s Haas, which stopped on track on lap 55 or 56.
A second VSC was triggered on lap 70 due to debris from a collision between Williams teammates Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon. Sainz later took responsibility for the incident, which forced Albon to retire.
Max Verstappen’s home race ended prematurely with a heavy crash on the opening lap, resulting in an early red flag. He emerged from the incident unharmed.
In the Drivers’ Championship standings, Kimi Antonelli leads with 242 points. George Russell and Lewis Hamilton are tied on 183 points, with Russell holding second place due to having more wins (two to Hamilton’s one).
Lando Norris is fourth with 159 points, followed by Charles Leclerc in fifth with 155 points. Hamilton has stated that the strategic issues at Zandvoort will be discussed privately with the Ferrari team.
