Lewis Hamilton lashes out at Leclerc and Ferrari: “It cost me the podium”

A bittersweet fourth-place finish for Lewis Hamilton at the Dutch Grand Prix, the twelfth round of the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship. The British Ferrari driver finished just off the podium after battling until the final laps to secure third place, closing in on George Russell’s Mercedes but ultimately failing to complete the pass.

The result was largely due to a qualifying session in which Ferrari failed to match its rivals. In the race, however, the SF-26 showed a significantly more competitive pace, leaving Hamilton feeling that a podium finish was a realistic goal. According to the seven-time world champion, however, something didn’t go perfectly in terms of race management and strategy.

“It was a great effort, but I think I was faster than Charles in the race. I lost a lot of time behind him because the team didn’t do what they were supposed to do or didn’t make the decision they should have made. That’s where we lost the podium,” concluded the Ferrari driver.

A rather clear-cut statement from Hamilton, referring primarily to the final laps of the Dutch Grand Prix. At that point, Leclerc—whose pace was slower than his teammate’s—did not assist Hamilton as needed, forcing him to lose precious time and jeopardizing his chance to challenge Russell.