Following Hamilton’s criticism: Former Ferrari employee says – team orders were inappropriate

Ferrari superstar Lewis Hamilton didn’t mince his words after the thrilling Dutch Grand Prix. The Englishman complained: “That was frustrating. I had great pace, but I was on a different strategy with different tyres. Leclerc was clearly struggling on the medium tyres, and I lost time there.”

“To secure the maximum number of points as a team, we need to work together better. The decision should have been made sooner. I think that cost us a podium finish.”

“My aim is to lead Ferrari to the World Championship. If you want to win, you have to do things like that (Hamilton is referring to swapping positions, M.B.). That’s certainly what the others do. We definitely need to discuss this.”

Luigi Mazzola worked at Ferrari from 1988 to 2009. As head of the test team, he played a key role in Ferrari’s rise to prominence, which culminated in five consecutive World Championship titles for Michael Schumacher between 2000 and 2004. Back then, testing was carried out without restraint, and a relationship of trust developed between Schumi and the Italian engineer.

Today, Mazzola works as a business consultant and mental coach. Naturally, even without a job in the top flight, he still follows Ferrari’s every move closely. After the Dutch Grand Prix, he spoke on the programme ‘Race Anatomy’ on Italy’s Sky.

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Luigi Mazzola

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The 64-year-old Mazzola says: “Ferrari did well not to issue team orders, as that would have left one or the other driver feeling bitter. But from my point of view, there was no reason for team orders either, as I don’t actually see Lewis Hamilton in the title race. As long as he isn’t closer to the championship leader, a clear hierarchy between the two drivers would be wrong.”