In the aftermath of a chaotic 2025 Australian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton has launched a scathing attack on Ferrari’s strategy team, accusing them of making disastrous decisions that ultimately cost both Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz valuable points in the championship race. The Mercedes driver’s fury comes after damning evidence emerged that exposed critical errors made by the Scuderia team during the race, which Hamilton believes not only ruined Ferrari’s chances but also disrupted the flow of the entire event.

The Breakdown of Ferrari’s Strategy Disaster
The Australian GP was supposed to be a turning point for Ferrari, a race where they could’ve fought for podium positions. However, things quickly went south as the race unfolded, and it became clear that Ferrari’s strategy team had made several fatal mistakes.

The first major blunder occurred when Ferrari left both Leclerc and Sainz on old tires far longer than necessary. As the track conditions changed and tire degradation set in, Ferrari’s decision to delay the pit stops allowed rivals, including Hamilton and Max Verstappen, to capitalize with timely pit changes. Ferrari’s mismanagement of the pit stop window meant their drivers lost crucial track positions, eventually slipping down the order as the race went on.

The situation worsened when Leclerc, who had been in a competitive position early on, was forced to pit during a late safety car period. But by that time, his race was already compromised due to the poor tire management earlier in the race, and he finished far lower than expected. Meanwhile, Sainz faced a similar fate, stuck in traffic with no clear way to recover lost time.
Hamilton’s Furious Reaction
Hamilton, who had a much smoother race with Mercedes, wasted no time in criticizing Ferrari’s performance. The 7-time world champion, who is no stranger to being vocal about poor team decisions, did not hold back in his post-race comments. “It was absolutely horrendous to watch,” Hamilton said, visibly frustrated. “I’ve been in this sport long enough to know that these kinds of mistakes cannot happen at the highest level. Ferrari had every chance to be competitive today, but their strategy was completely off. You can’t afford to make those kinds of calls, especially when you’re racing against the best.”
In a candid interview after the race, Hamilton continued, “I don’t know how many times we’ve seen it now – Ferrari just seems to get it wrong when it matters most. Leclerc is a top driver, and he’s being let down by bad calls. It’s frustrating because we all know they have the speed in the car, but they can’t seem to figure out how to manage a race.”
The criticism from Hamilton was even more pointed considering the fact that Mercedes has struggled in the past few seasons, and yet they seemed to have outperformed Ferrari in strategy throughout the race. “I’m not here to talk about other teams, but when you see a car with the potential Ferrari has just wasting opportunities like that, it’s hard not to be upset for the drivers.”
The Evidence That Exposed Ferrari’s Failings
What made Hamilton’s criticism even more cutting were the revelations of in-race radio messages and pit stop data that surfaced in the aftermath of the race. Leaked communications between Ferrari’s engineers and their drivers showed that the team was aware of the tire degradation issues but still chose not to bring Leclerc and Sainz in for pit stops on time. In one exchange, Leclerc is heard requesting a pit stop due to tire wear, but the team tells him to “stay out for now,” despite clear signs that his tires were past their prime.
Meanwhile, Sainz’s frustration was evident in his radio messages, where he repeatedly asked why he was being left out for so long, knowing he was losing time on older tires. “This isn’t working, guys,” Sainz says on one transmission, “I’m losing too much time out here.”
The evidence has ignited a firestorm of criticism online, with many questioning Ferrari’s leadership and strategic planning. Motorsport analysts have dissected the footage, and it’s clear that Fred Vasseur, Ferrari’s team principal, and his strategy team will face mounting pressure in the coming weeks.
Hamilton Calls for Change in Ferrari’s Management
Hamilton’s scathing remarks about Ferrari’s strategic blunders have sparked further calls for reform within the Scuderia team. The Briton, who has always been an advocate for operational excellence and race management, suggested that Ferrari needs to make significant changes if they want to return to the top of Formula 1.
“You can have the fastest car, but if your strategy is flawed, you’re not going to win,” Hamilton continued. “Ferrari has been in F1 for a long time, and they’ve had some great moments. But right now, they are letting down their drivers. They need to make serious changes, whether that’s in the pit wall or in leadership. It’s the same mistakes over and over.”
The statement has added more fuel to the fire, as Ferrari fans and critics alike are growing impatient with the team’s persistent failure to execute on race day. Leclerc, who has expressed his own frustration with the team’s decision-making in the past, has yet to comment on the leaked evidence, but it’s clear that he shares the sentiment expressed by Hamilton.
What’s Next for Ferrari?
With the season still in its early stages, Ferrari finds itself at a crossroads. The team has failed to make the most of its car’s potential, and with Red Bull and Mercedes continuing to set the bar for both speed and strategy, Ferrari’s lack of consistency is becoming a serious concern. The Scuderia’s management will now be under intense scrutiny, with calls for changes in both strategy and leadership growing louder.
As for Lewis Hamilton, his focus remains on keeping Mercedes competitive, and while he may have taken a shot at Ferrari’s failures, he is also aware that in Formula 1, it’s only a matter of time before the balance of power shifts again. “Right now, Ferrari has to fix themselves. But you know, this sport is cyclical. One mistake, and it could be anyone’s game,” Hamilton concluded.