Lewis Hamilton has issued an apology following a tense moment with his Mercedes team during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where team orders sparked a heated debate both on and off the track.
The incident unfolded when Mercedes asked Hamilton to hold position behind his teammate, a decision that initially left the seven-time world champion visibly frustrated. Hamilton, known for his fierce competitiveness, had been pushing hard to gain track advantage when the radio instructions came through, effectively curbing his attack.
After the race, however, Hamilton took responsibility for his reaction. Speaking candidly, he admitted that emotions often run high in the heat of battle and that his sharp response was not aimed at undermining the team. “I always want to fight for every position, but I respect the bigger picture and the strategy decisions made. If my words came across wrongly, I apologise to the team and fans,” Hamilton said.
Mercedes, while acknowledging the awkwardness of the moment, reaffirmed their faith in Hamilton and his partnership with the team. Team boss Toto Wolff highlighted that such flashpoints are “normal in a high-pressure environment” and that the matter had been resolved internally.
The apology underscores Hamilton’s efforts to maintain harmony within Mercedes as the team continues its fight to climb back to the front of the Formula 1 grid. With fierce competition from rivals, unity within the garage remains crucial.
