Ferrari has hit out at F1’s race coverage, accusing the broadcast of distorting radio messages to stir unnecessary drama.
Ferrari has criticised Formula 1’s handling of team radio broadcasts during the Chinese Grand Prix, calling the selective airing of messages “a joke” and accusing the sport of manufacturing drama around a tactical position swap between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.
Hamilton, struggling early in the race after front wing contact from Leclerc on lap one, soon found himself under pressure from the Monegasque. Despite his damage, Leclerc kept pace, and the team strategy quickly turned into a conversation about switching positions.
F1 Edited Out Hamilton’s First Call
Hamilton was the first to acknowledge the issue on team radio, saying, “I think I’m going to let Charles go, because I’m struggling.” However, that message was never aired on the global feed.
What viewers did hear painted a different picture — one of Hamilton resisting a swap. The international broadcast picked up only the later exchanges, including Hamilton’s “when he’s closer, yes” and his comments about giving the place back “if Leclerc can’t get the guys ahead.” These snippets suggested reluctance, even though the initial move came from Hamilton himself.
The full context, according to Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur, tells a very different story.
“This is a joke from FOM,” Vasseur said post-race. “The first call came from Lewis. He asked us to swap. But to make the show, to create some drama, they only aired the second part.”
As circumstances evolved — traffic, strategy, and Leclerc momentarily falling out of DRS range — Hamilton asked for time to assess the best point for the switch. Eventually, he let Leclerc through into Turn 1, a clean and calculated move on his terms.
Ferrari Defends Hamilton-Leclerc Team Unity
Ferrari, split on strategy in the second half of the race, pitted Hamilton again, which effectively sealed his position behind Verstappen — who would later overtake Leclerc as well. Though Hamilton briefly questioned whether he’d regain the position if Leclerc couldn’t make progress, he made no further issue of it.
Vasseur praised the professionalism of both drivers and was keen to stress the unified team approach. “It doesn’t matter who suggested the swap first — but in this case, it was Lewis,” he said. “We work for the team, and the drivers are aligned on that. It was all agreed beforehand.”
He added: “The collaboration between the two is outstanding. Honestly, I can’t fault them at all.”
Asked about the fallout and how the broadcast may have shaped public perception, Vasseur was blunt: “I understand your question, but that’s one for Stefano Domenicali, not me. I’m not in charge of the TV show.”
Ferrari Angered by F1’s Twisted Team Radio Storyline
Ferrari Angered by F1’s Twisted Team Radio Storyline
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