Jean Alesi/ex-Ferrari: Lewis Hamilton’s comments at Zandvoort were inappropriate

I’ve always thought that Jean Alesi was underrated at Ferrari for years. It’s a cruel joke of motor racing history that this master behind the wheel never managed to achieve more than a single victory, in Canada in 1995. The Frenchman with Sicilian roots deserved a better record, given his talent.

Alesi has kept his finger on the pulse of Formula 1; speaking to colleagues at the *Corriere della Sera*, he has now assessed Lewis Hamilton’s complaints about Ferrari’s strategy at Zandvoort. “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.”

During the race, Hamilton demanded over the radio: “I’m quicker than Leclerc, my tyres are better.” Translation: Let me past Charles, for goodness’ sake.

Ferrari wanted to bring Leclerc in, but Charles wasn’t up for it; he stayed out two laps longer than planned. Hamilton on the radio, furious: “We’re just wasting time here!”

Then again: “What a fabulous way to waste time, brilliant work, lads!”

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Alesi, who has competed in 201 Grand Prix races, says: “I thought Hamilton’s complaints – first over the radio and then after the race – were inappropriate. Admittedly, Charles didn’t make way straight away, but I don’t think that was the reason Ferrari missed out on a podium finish at Zandvoort.”

Jean Alesi

Foto: XPB

“The fact is, Lewis has a strong personality; he’s an asset to Ferrari, no question about it, but he also commands a certain amount of respect. I’d like to remind us all – and him too – that Ferrari is, after all, Ferrari. That demands respect – even when you don’t immediately comply with a request from Hamilton.”