Former Haas Formula 1 team principal Guenther Steiner believes Lewis Hamilton made Ferrari’s Dutch Grand Prix tensions worse with his frustrated team radio messages.
The seven-time world champion repeatedly questioned Ferrari’s strategy during the race at Zandvoort, urging the Maranello team to let him pass team-mate Charles Leclerc, who was running a different strategy. When Ferrari eventually brought Leclerc into the pits, Hamilton complained that the team had lost too much time.
Hamilton later sarcastically asked whether Ferrari was using him as a “guinea pig” after leaving him on old hard tyres.
Steiner compares Ferrari and Mercedes strategy planning
Speaking on The Red Flags Podcast, Steiner compared Ferrari’s handling of team orders with Mercedes’ preparation and said Ferrari had not organised the situation as effectively.
“Obviously, it was not as well organised as the silver people. They were well organised,” Steiner said during an appearance on The Red Flags Podcast, comparing Mercedes and Ferrari.
“They had the discussion before and obviously that discussion was not as heated as that one after for Ferrari because when you go into the drivers before the race and tell them what is what.”
Steiner said Ferrari’s pre-race discussions should have been more detailed.
“I think that one was not done in the detail Mercedes stated, and that caused what happened.”
Hamilton criticised for Ferrari team radio messages
Although Steiner argued that Ferrari could have prepared its drivers more thoroughly for possible team-order scenarios, he also said Hamilton’s criticism of the team was counterproductive.
“I don’t think Lewis helped himself being so critical because when you’re sitting on the pitwall and you hear that, it’s like, ‘Oh this guy’s actually trying to vouch too much for himself. He doesn’t see the team anymore here.’
“You could say, ‘Hey, would it not be better if he lets me pass, I’m faster,’ instead of saying, ‘Oh you made me lose time here.’”
Hamilton later addressed his Dutch Grand Prix team radio comments on social media, accepting responsibility for his frustrated reaction.
“I’ve listened back to some of my radio and TV comments. In the heat of the moment, frustration can come out, especially when you care as deeply as I do,” he posted on Instagram.
“But that wasn’t the best version of me. I take responsibility for that, and I’ll be better. That passion comes from believing in this team, the people in it, and what we’re building together. The direction is clear. The belief is there. And the fight is absolutely still on.”
