Ferrari boss snaps back at Lewis Hamilton as response issued to controversial Charles Leclerc team orders

Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur has responded to Lewis Hamilton's team radio frustrations after the team's controversial decision.

On Sunday, seven-time world champion Hamilton endured a frustrating afternoon as he finished seventh at the Miami Grand Prix.

During the race, Hamilton vented his frustrations via his team radio after he was left fuming with his team's decision-making.

The Brit felt he had better pace than Charles Leclerc as he was on the softer and faster medium compound tyres.

However, by the time the team allowed him to go ahead of Leclerc, Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, who was ahead of the Ferraris, had already built up a healthy gap.

In the end, Hamilton was asked to let Leclerc pass again, with the Monegasque finishing in seventh place and Hamilton in eighth.

Speaking after the race, Ferrari team boss Vasseur was asked about Hamilton's frustrations, but stated that the team did the right thing.

He said: "I can understand the frustration of the guys in the car, but at the end it was well executed because Lewis was behind Charles. He was with the softer compound.

"We let him go. And then, as per a rule within the team, we swapped back at the end."

Lewis Hamilton was left frustrated during the Miami Grand Prix. Image: Getty

Vasseur continued: "I think we let the chance for Lewis to go in front of Charles but it was impossible to overtake between them if we don't let them go. And I think it was the opportunity for Lewis to catch up [Kimi] Antonelli and I think we did a good job.

"You need to understand in this situation if you are faster than the car in front of you because you have the DRS or if you have the pace. And, uh, we took one lap to take a decision and then one lap to apply the decision."

Ferrari issue statement after disappointing Miami Grand Prix

Taking to social media, Ferrari delivered two rallying calls ahead of the next race.

They wrote on X: "A tough race yesterday, but we’ll put our heads down and keep pushing forward.

"From the garage to the track, we’re in this together."

F1 will return in two weeks' time with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, which will be held at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola.