![\"Lewis](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/lewis-hamilton-vows-i-ll-be-better-following-sarcastic-dutch-gp-radio-messages.jpg\")
Hamilton believes he is firmly in the title fight (David Davies\/PA)<\/p>\nLewis Hamilton says his tetchy radio messages to Ferrari during the Dutch Grand Prix were \u201cnot the best version of him\u201d.<\/p>\n
The 41-year-old, who has returned from the sport\u2019s summer break determined to ignite his quest for an eighth world championship, finished fourth in Sunday\u2019s race.<\/p>\n
But he vented frustration that Ferrari did not allow him past team-mate Charles Leclerc quickly enough, a delay which he suggested prevented him from passing George Russell for the final spot on the podium.<\/p>\n
Hamilton believed he was faster in the middle of the race and Ferrari asked Leclerc to pit. But the Monegasque questioned that call and stayed out for an extra lap.<\/p>\n
\u201cGreat way of wasting time guys, good job,\u201d Hamilton sarcastically said.<\/p>\n
Hamilton said after the race he had lost \u201cseveral seconds\u201d which cost him at the end of the race.<\/p>\n
But the seven-time world champion took to Instagram on Monday evening to reflect on his \u201cheat of the moment\u201d comments.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve listened back to some of my radio and TV comments. In the heat of the moment frustration can come out, especially when you care as deeply as I do,\u201d he wrote.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut that wasn\u2019t the best version of me. I take responsibility for that, and I\u2019ll be better.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThat passion comes from believing in this team, the people in it, and what we\u2019re building together. The direction is clear. The belief is there. And the fight is absolutely still on.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you for sticking with us and with me. We\u2019ll keep building, keep pushing and keep fighting.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hamilton leaves Zandvoort level with Russell in second place in the championship \u2013 now 59 points adrift of leader Kimi Antonelli.<\/p>\n
He chased after Russell in the closing laps but could not find a way past \u2013 hindered by a late virtual safety car.<\/p>\n
Hamilton believes he is firmly in the title fight (David Davies\/PA)<\/p>\n
His one win so far this season came in Barcelona in June but Hamilton has expressed his belief that he is firmly in the title picture and said he spent the summer break working to be in the best shape possible for the second half of the campaign.<\/p>\n
![\"Student](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/cc-student-protest-8.jpg\")
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