Ferrari strategists accidentally start tea time mid-race, forget to tell Hamilton to pass

May 4, 2025 - photo DNF.news

MIAMI, FL – In a now-legendary lapse of judgment, Ferrari’s strategy team paused all decision-making during the Miami Grand Prix for a “quick tea break,” inadvertently leaving seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton stuck behind Charles Leclerc for several laps.

“We thought the situation was under control,” explained Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur while buttering a crumpet. “Charles had the track position, Lewis had the pace, and frankly, we needed chamomile after that first pit stop stress.”

Hamilton, running a different strategy and clearly faster on track, spent multiple laps tucked behind Leclerc while the Ferrari pit wall quietly rolled out fine china and began steeping Earl Grey. Race engineer Riccardo Adami was reportedly midway through a shortbread when the realization hit. “I looked up and saw Hamilton still behind, and I just froze,” said Adami. “I was about to call it in, but my pinky was out and I couldn’t reach the radio.”

The FIA has confirmed no rules were broken, but Mercedes has filed an official protest on the grounds of “British driver psychological cruelty.”

As the team packs for Imola, Ferrari has promised better mid-race communication — possibly by switching to espressos and scheduling tea service only during red flags.