Hamilton questions Ferrari call after Dutch GP podium miss

Lewis Hamilton was left frustrated by Ferrari's strategy at the Dutch Grand Prix after finishing fourth, believing time lost behind teammate Charles Leclerc cost him a shot at the podium. The seven-time champion mounted a late charge but fell just short of George Russell's Mercedes.

Why it matters:

With 11 rounds remaining, Hamilton is now level with Russell in second in the championship, 59 points behind leader Kimi Antonelli. Every point counts in Ferrari's push for a title, and Hamilton's frustration highlights the team's need for sharper in-race decision-making.

The details:

• Starting fifth, Hamilton ran long and gained track position, passing Oscar Piastri before closing on Leclerc.
• Ferrari delayed Leclerc's pit stop, prompting Hamilton's sarcastic radio: "Great way of wasting time guys, good job."
• A late Virtual Safety Car gave Ferrari a chance to pit Hamilton, who asked: "Are you using me as a guinea pig?" before rejoining fourth.
• Hamilton chased Russell but couldn't pass, citing Mercedes' straight-line speed advantage: "We're losing like four tenths a lap here just on straight lines."
• He contrasted Ferrari's approach with Mercedes, which swiftly swapped Russell and Antonelli to let the latter attack Lando Norris.

What's next:

Hamilton remains confident Ferrari can win, but says the team must improve. "I'm here to win and I really believe that this team can win," he said. "We've got some work to do for sure."