Hamilton Apologizes to Leclerc After Azerbaijan GP Team Order Confusion
Team Orders Gone Awry: A Post-Race Reflection on Ferrari's Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Ferrari's Strategic Maneuver and Hamilton's Initial Advance
During the latter stages of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Ferrari implemented a clear team strategy. With approximately ten laps remaining, Charles Leclerc was instructed to allow Lewis Hamilton to overtake him. The rationale behind this decision was that Hamilton, equipped with fresher tires, stood a better chance of challenging Liam Lawson of Racing Bulls for a higher position.
The Unintended Outcome of the Team Instruction
Despite the strategic pass, Hamilton's pursuit of Lawson did not yield the desired result. The plan stipulated that if Hamilton couldn't make progress, he was to return the position to Leclerc. This reversal of positions, however, never materialized during the race.
Hamilton's Post-Race Contrition and Explanation
Following the conclusion of the race, Hamilton conveyed his apologies to his teammate. He clarified that the instruction to switch positions back came very late, and his intense focus on the car ahead led to a misjudgment. He acknowledged the oversight, stating that his failure to return the position was due to receiving the message with insufficient time to react, emphasizing that the difference between eighth and ninth place was marginal.
Leclerc's Composed Reaction to the Incident
Charles Leclerc, for his part, downplayed the significance of the event. He expressed that for positions as low as eighth or ninth, the outcome was not a major point of concern for him. Leclerc reiterated that while team agreements for such scenarios exist, he was not overly bothered by the unfulfilled swap, indicating that his happiness would not have been substantially greater in P8.
Team Principal's Analysis of the Mid-Race Decision
Ferrari's team principal, Fred Vasseur, offered insight into the initial decision to swap the drivers. He highlighted Hamilton's tire advantage and Leclerc's power unit issues as key factors. Vasseur believed that allowing Hamilton to pass was the most viable option for the team to challenge the cars ahead, including Lawson, Tsunoda, and Norris. He further explained that the reason for the failed re-swap was Hamilton's miscalculation of the start/finish line's position when attempting to yield the place back.