Ralf Schumacher criticized Lewis Hamilton’s attitude after the Briton showed strong irritation with Ferrari during the Dutch Grand Prix of Formula 1. For the former driver, Hamilton should have better controlled his emotions, especially given his experience and importance in the sport.
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During the race in Zandvoort, Hamilton used the radio to question team decisions and complain about the time lost behind his teammate, Charles Leclerc. The dissatisfaction gained prominence after the race, leading the seven-time champion to publicly apologize the next day for the way he expressed his frustration.
Schumacher addressed the episode on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast and stated that he can understand Hamilton’s reaction right after a race, when emotions are still high. However, he assessed that the Ferrari driver should have adopted a different attitude given his age, experience, and position within the category.
“I can understand a certain amount of frustration. That always exists as a driver, especially immediately after the race, when emotions are still present, but given his age and status, he could have handled it a little differently. Especially when it comes to publicly criticizing the team,” Schumacher said.
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The German also considered that Ferrari currently deserves more patience from Hamilton than the other way around. According to Schumacher, the Briton’s first season with the team was difficult and this should be taken into account before public criticism of race strategies.
“I think this applies particularly to Lewis, considering that last year he really didn’t help the team. I think Ferrari still has a bit more accumulated credit than he does. You can handle that differently,” he added.
Schumacher also mentioned that there is a perception among some Italians that Hamilton might be placed above Ferrari itself: “There are one or two rumors that this is the first time Italians feel that the driver is more important than the brand,” concluded the German.
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