Lewis Hamilton was ordered to permit Ferrari’s teammate, Charles Leclair, on the ultimate lap of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, however he didn’t.
Seven-time world champion Hamilton completed in eighth place after being allowed by Leclair.
Hamilton was late as he crossed the road simply 0.464 seconds earlier than teammate Leclair, who was left to settle in ninth place on one other disappointing weekend for Ferrari.
An unclear radio message revealed that Ferrari had instructed Hamilton to deliver Leclair again to the previous, however no place swap occurred regardless of the 40-year-old Briton’s makes an attempt to take action.
Leclerc race engineer Bryan Bozzi may very well be heard telling the motive force:
He was knowledgeable when Leclerc started his 51st lap and ultimate lap.
Bozzi then added: “Lewis will permit you on the primary straight.”
In the meantime, Hamilton stated from race engineer Riccarded Adami, “We will let go of Charles.
Adami then said: “That is the final lap. Hajar is behind him, two seconds, Charles 1.5 is behind.
Hamilton visibly crossed the road, however it wasn’t sufficient for Leclerc to cross.
Charles Leclerc downplays the shortage of switches
When requested about it after the race, Leclerc insisted he did not thoughts the failed swap.
“To be trustworthy, it isn’t a giant matter for the P8 or P9,” Leclerc stated.
“I actually do not care. Often these are issues we agree between the final guidelines of how we need to work at any time when there is a man and a swap.
“It did not occur, it is advantageous. It is not that I used to be very comfortable to be a P8. So I do not care.”
Hamilton was defended by Sky Sports activities F1 critic Bernie Collins.
“Clearly, Lewis was advised to modify positions to Charles Leclerc, however then he was additionally advised that Isack Hadjar was solely two seconds behind.
“He is on this major straight, the place he will do 300kph.
“So it’s totally troublesome to guage, and that is why he is most likely making that incorrect a bit.
“He needed at hand it over to Charles Leclerc, however he by no means misplaced his place to Hager.”
