Lewis Hamilton blames Ferrari for Azerbaijan Grand Prix strategy change

Lewis Hamilton said he was “frustrated” after qualifying sixth for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sunday, accusing Ferrari of “changing the plan” in the final minutes of Q3. The British driver’s comments came as the Red Bull‑backed team secured a front‑row lock‑out, while Mercedes struggled to get a clear lap in the closing stages of qualifying at Baku’s street circuit.

The dispute matters because Hamilton is still in the hunt for the 2026 drivers’ title, and every point counts as the season reaches its midpoint. Mercedes has been under pressure after a string of qualifying setbacks, and Ferrari’s tactics have drawn scrutiny ever since a similar controversy at the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, when they altered their run‑order to benefit Charles Leclerc. In Baku, the narrow, high‑speed layout leaves little room for error, and a compromised qualifying session can dictate the race outcome.

In the final sector of Q3, Ferrari delayed Leclerc’s last flying lap by a few seconds, prompting the team to switch from the expected medium‑compound tyres to the softer option. The change forced Hamilton to wait longer on the track, and when he finally set his lap, he was caught in traffic and lost valuable time. Hamilton’s post‑session interview captured his disappointment: “They changed the plan and it cost me a chance to fight for a better grid spot.” Mercedes team principal James Allison said the team would review the incident but did not lodge an official protest. Ferrari defended the decision as a strategic call within the regulations, insisting it was made to optimise Leclerc’s performance.

Hamilton will start the race from sixth place and must navigate the chaotic Baku circuit to challenge for points. A strong finish could keep his championship hopes alive, while a poor result may widen the gap to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. Mercedes is expected to discuss the qualifying episode with the FIA ahead of the next round in Singapore, where the team will look to recover lost ground and avoid further disputes over race‑day tactics.