Controversy over team orders: former Ferrari engineer sides with Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton spoke his mind clearly over the radio when he found himself stuck behind his team-mate Charles Leclerc on race day at Zandvoort. “I’m quicker than Leclerc, my tyres are better,” radioed the seven-time world champion from the Ferrari team, thereby implying that his team should order a swap of positions.

Ferrari wanted to get the Monegasque driver out of the way with a pit stop, but Leclerc had no intention of pulling in. He stayed out for two laps longer than planned. This only fuelled Hamilton’s frustration, and he radioed furiously: “We’re just wasting time here!” Later, he added venomously: “What a fabulous way to waste time – great work, lads!”

Hamilton ultimately crossed the line ahead of Leclerc, with the pair finishing in 4th and 5th place respectively. Many observers agreed: had the two red cars swapped positions straight away, their chances of a podium finish would have been greater.

For former Ferrari engineer Rob Smedley, one thing is clear: if Ferrari are to have any chance of the World Championship title, the team must back the record Grand Prix winner and give him priority when in doubt. He explained on the ‘High Performance’ podcast: “I’ve held the view from the outset that Ferrari must back Lewis if they want to be in contention for the world championship title.”

“As hard as that may be for Charles and the Ferrari staff on his side of the pit, they’re all working for the same team,” the Briton added. Commenting on the performance of the two Ferrari stars, he also emphasised: “Lewis has simply done a better job. And if they want to take points away from Mercedes, they have to do so as a team.”

Topic of the week

Ferrari row with Hamilton and Leclerc: Team principal Vasseur must now step up

Ferrari came away empty-handed at the Dutch Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton finished fourth, Charles Leclerc fifth. Afterwards, both drivers were angry, and team principal Fred Vasseur found himself having to explain the situation.

Mathias Brunner

Read more

TV program

Live

Monza: 1. Freies Training

FIA Formula One World Championship

04.09.2026 - 12:15

“Ferrari doesn’t always have the best car, but every now and then they have the strongest Grand Prix car, and when they do, they have to make the most of it – they have to ensure that Lewis wins,” the 52-year-old engineer is certain. “The team must make the most sensible decision and get the best result for Ferrari,” he clarified.