Jean Alesi criticized Lewis Hamilton’s attitude during the Dutch Grand Prix of Formula 1. For the former F1 driver, the Briton exaggerated the complaints against Ferrari during the race.
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Hamilton showed irritation when stuck behind Charles Leclerc, who was using a different strategy, and repeatedly asked the team to allow him to pass. Leclerc eventually gave way, but the lost time was costly in Hamilton’s attempt to catch the cars ahead and fight for a podium place.
In an interview with Corriere della Sera, Alesi assessed that the frustration of the seven-time world champion did not justify some of the statements made over the radio and after the race. The Frenchman also considered that the fact that Leclerc did not immediately give way was not decisive for Hamilton’s final result.
“I thought Hamilton’s complaints over the radio and after the race were out of place. Yes, Charles did not let him pass immediately, but I don’t think that was the reason he lost the podium,” Alesi said.
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The former Ferrari driver also highlighted Hamilton’s personality but argued that this does not mean the team should immediately comply with all his requests: “Lewis has a huge personality, he is an asset, but his presence can also be quite intimidating. I would remind everyone, including him, that Ferrari is Ferrari. It deserves respect, even when the team does not immediately comply with a request he makes,” he added.
After the episode, Hamilton publicly apologized to Ferrari and its fans for his outbursts during the Dutch GP. The Briton acknowledged that frustration got the better of him, took responsibility for some of the comments, and emphasized that he remains confident in the project, highlighting the Italian team’s work to bring updates and extract more performance from the car.
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