Lewis Hamilton, expressed regret for an expletive-filled radio outburst directed at the Mercedes team when he finished at fourth at Dutch Grand Prix 2022, in Zandavoort Circuit, on Sunday.
The seven-time world champion had the lead until a late safety car period left him defending on slower tires than his rivals. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen jumped up past at the restart to capture a win for his home country.
“I was just on the edge of breaking point with emotions and my apologies to the team because I don’t even remember what I said, I just lost it for a second,” Hamilton said.
“But I think they know that there is just so much passion and I want to look at it as a glass half full.
“I think we had [car to win]. Given the circumstances, what was lost with the virtual safety car and the safety car, I think the car and the strategies were good until that moment of the stops. It was being the best [strategy] of the year. The guys [at garage] were getting it right,” Hamilton added.
Hamilton revealed the development of the W13 from the last race in Belgium, when it was impossible to make the Red Bull cars competitive.
However, Hamilton pointed out the importance of finally having his car keep up with rivals’ pace, even though Verstappen took the win once more.
“So, there are many things to take from here. The car is finally working, and if it continues like this for the next few races we can breathe closer to the back of their necks and get this win.” Hamilton said.
“We were miles away from them in the last race, and we didn’t understand. And yesterday, I was pole until the last corner.” he added.
