Hamilton: Ferrari strategy call cost me podium at Dutch GP

Lewis Hamilton believes Ferrari’s strategy call at the Dutch GP cost him a podium. Running long on fresh tyres at Zandvoort, he carved through the field before losing crucial seconds behind team-mate Charles Leclerc — time he says made the difference in his late charge at George Russell.

Why it matters:

Hamilton has just one podium in five races since his Barcelona win. He and Russell are tied on 183 points, with Russell ahead on countback, while Kimi Antonelli extended his lead over Hamilton to 59 points. In a title fight this close, every point matters.

The details:

• Hamilton passed Oscar Piastri’s McLaren around half-distance and asked to be waved past Leclerc to continue his attack.
• Leclerc stayed ahead for two laps before pitting, prompting Hamilton to radio: “Great way of wasting time, good job.”
• Leclerc said he received no call to cede and was told to stay out.
• A late VSC for Esteban Ocon’s Haas let Hamilton attack Russell for third on fresher tyres, but a second VSC on lap 70 for debris from Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon’s collision ended the charge.
• Hamilton finished fourth; Leclerc fifth.

Between the lines:

Hamilton’s frustration was pointed: Mercedes “executed straight away” when fighting for a championship lead, while Ferrari lost seconds. “I’m here to win,” he said. “My goal is to try and lead this team to the championship.”

What's next:

Ferrari must sharpen its race-day execution to keep Hamilton in the fight. With Antonelli pulling away, the margin for error is shrinking.