Lewis Hamilton laughs at Mercedes F1 radio order after George Russell complaints

05 November 2023 , 19:45

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Lewis Hamilton and George Russell had a horrible day at the Brazilian Grand Prix (Image: Getty Images)

Lewis Hamilton couldn't help but laugh after Mercedes asked him to pick up the pace during a wretched Brazilian Grand Prix.

Both Mercedes drivers got great launches off the line to make up places early on. But, just like in the Sprint the day before, tyre degradation proved to be a major factor and it affected the Silver Arrows more than most.

George Russell had initially said he would not attack his team-mate and suggested they should work together in the opening stages. But it seemed Hamilton did not get the memo as he pulled out of DRS range, leaving his team-mate exposed.

Sergio Perez soon swept past Russell, and Hamilton was also left unprotected and powerless to fend off the Red Bull. That left Russell very annoyed as he pointed out over the radio that he was unhappy.

And his move had not improved by the 17th lap when he was asked to manage his tyres. "Do you want me to race or concede positions? With more management, I will go backwards," was his snappy retort.

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And later, when he came across Hamilton on track who was going more slowly, he waited patiently behind while Carlos Sainz caught up. He then broke his silence to say: "I haven't been on the radio because I thought it was quite obvious about the pace. Just sat here, not having the tyres."

He clearly thought he should have been allowed past. And the Ferrari ended up ahead of both of them again as Mercedes continued to slip back in the order.

The moment that tickled Hamilton came ahead of the second round of pit stops. Preparing to bring the seven-time world champion in for fresh rubber, race engineer Pete Bonnington asked his driver to push hard and squeeze all remaining life out of his current set.

"Let's use the tyres now," said Bono, prompting a chuckle and a slightly terse response from Hamilton. "I have been for the last five laps, dude," he replied, clearly struggling to get the pace he wanted out of his car.

Hamilton was also later overtaken by Pierre Gasly and finished just eighth. Russell didn't take the chequered flag at all – he was forced to retire shortly before the end over high oil temperatures which Mercedes said were making an engine failure an "imminent risk".

Daniel Moxon