Lewis Hamilton frustrated by Ferrari call that ‘doesn’t make sense’ after early Miami Grand Prix qualifying exit

It was another frustrating day for Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton at the Miami Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton started seventh in the Sprint Race in Miami but managed to secure his second podium finish in the format in 2025.

Hamilton made a bold strategy call to change his intermediate tyres for slicks earlier than many of his rivals.

It catapulted him up the standings, although his decision was slightly forced by how difficult he was finding the inters, with Wiliams driver Alex Albon putting him under serious pressure.

Qualifying for Sunday’s Grand Prix was run in dry conditions, but Hamilton didn’t complete the session.

The seven-time world champion was eliminated in Q2, missing out in an incredibly close battle in F1’s midfield, while his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc did reach the top 10 shootout after crashing before the start of the Sprint Race.

Although Max Verstappen admitted he was impressed by Hamilton ahead of the weekend, the 40-year-old didn’t share those sentiments with his team’s efforts during qualifying after making one crucial strategy call that horribly backfired.

READ MORE: Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton’s life outside F1 from net worth to family

Lewis Hamilton says decision to not use new soft tyres ‘didn’t make sense’ during Miami Grand Prix qualifying

Hamilton was taking part in his post-race interview with Sky Sports F1 (3/5 10:59 pm) and was asked if he had saved a set of soft tyres for Q3 and whether he asked to use them in Q2 before he was eliminated.

He replied, “I mean it doesn’t make sense when you’re struggling so much not to put two new sets on, to utilise the sets.

“But that’s stuff we’ll take on board back in the chat in the garage.”

Reflecting on Hamilton’s final answer, world champion and pundit Jenson Button replied, “I guess they didn’t know that [Hamilton would be eliminated] at the time.

“Ferraris you just expect to be getting into Q3 right? So, they’re on the cusp but it’s not an easy place to be.

“Charles obviously did an amazing job to get the maximum and just get into the top 10, but you know, he’s sat behind two Williams as well.

“It’s not been the easiest weekend for them and it’s amazing how things swing around this year for many teams.”

Danica Patrick added, “You also have to think that this is a tough track to pass at.

“Unless you have good straight-line speed, your qualifying position matters so much you would just think that you would put it all out there, especially when you’re struggling as Lewis pointed out.”

READ MORE: All you need to know about Scuderia Ferrari from team principal to factory

Lewis Hamilton breaks Formula 1 record with Miami Grand Prix Sprint Race result

Hamilton currently sits seventh in the drivers’ championship and unless Ferrari fix all of their current design flaws in a very short space of time, an eighth title is off the table in 2025.

He made up a few points on Andrea Kimi Antonelli in the Sprint Race after the Italian teenager broke the record for the youngest pole sitter in Formula 1 history.

That record may be slightly tenuous given Antonelli’s lap came in Sprint qualifying, however, it was still a thoroughly impressive performance from the 18-year-old and he will start ahead of George Russell once again in Sunday’s race.

Hamilton’s third-place finish in the Sprint Race means he’s now been classified in the top four positions at all 38 circuits he’s raced at in Formula 1.

Next season, the Madrid Grand Prix enters the schedule, meaning Hamilton will have a 39th track he can add to his tally.

However, with new regulations being introduced over the winter, there’s even less certainty that Ferrari will be a competitive force based on the developments they’ve introduced going into this year.