Lewis Hamilton explains: What exactly went wrong on the pit radio

(Motorsport-Total.com) - Lewis Hamilton is currently experiencing one of the most difficult phases of his Formula 1 career – and this just before his home race at Silverstone. The Briton has now gone 13 races without a podium finish, the longest ever. But despite all the difficulties, the seven-time world champion remains combative – even if he felt unheard by his team in Austria.

"I actually just brought it up again—an hour ago," Hamilton said on Thursday at Silverstone. The reason: In Spielberg, Ferrari had called him to pit, even though Hamilton himself wanted to stay out. "I already mentioned it after the race, and now we've had time to think about it."

The 40-year-old was particularly critical of the team's rigid strategy with Charles Leclerc. "We were both on exactly the same strategy: Medium, Hard, Medium. I said I would have done Medium, Medium, Hard to at least make a difference at the end. I never want to do the same thing as my teammate."

Hamilton expressed understanding for the team's safety-conscious approach, which sought to secure third and fourth places, but there was no real threat of pressure from behind. Hamilton was annoyed: "I'm not here to start fourth and finish fourth. I'm fighting for every little bit," he clarified. For him, there was no risk involved in the tactic.

Nevertheless, he obeyed and came into the pits. "I don't want to get to the point where I'm ignoring the team. That's why we're working on our communication. We're still learning how each of us works—and that's now understood."

For his home race at Silverstone, the record winner is now hoping for a bit of weather luck: "I'm hoping and praying. There's always magic at Silverstone," says Hamilton. "I hope the weather or other factors help us, because if it stays dry, we have no chance against McLaren."

Is Hamilton on the right track with his setup?

Hopes are also resting on an update that was used for the first time in Austria. "I think we've taken a step, and I'm very confident we can build on that," said Hamilton. "But there are still a few teething issues—short-term and long-term—that we need to resolve. We're trying to make the most of the package."

Another step forward for Hamilton was aligning his setup with that of teammate Charles Leclerc—at least a little. "I tried all the other directions that should have worked, but it didn't work. Now I've gradually moved toward where Charles sets up the car."

The result: "Last weekend we were closer than ever. But it's still difficult to drive—not a car I want to have in the future."

Hamilton is therefore already looking to the future – and with a clear goal: "I'm working with Loïc [Serra] and the guys at the factory to ensure that the next car carries my DNA. I hope we can get the characteristics I want for next year."

Leclerc hopes: pressure for McLaren

Meanwhile, teammate Charles Leclerc was cautiously optimistic about Ferrari - even though the Monegasque is still not satisfied despite three podiums in the last four races: "We are improving step by step, but the goal is of course to win races," said Leclerc.

He is cautiously confident about Silverstone: "In the past, we have been quite competitive here. Lewis has always been exceptionally strong here, but I hope we have a good weekend and can maybe even fight for the win."

Regarding McLaren and their current superiority, he says: "I would be concerned if I didn't believe our upcoming upgrades can help. We are doing everything we can to reduce the gap."

However, he also tempered expectations: "It won't be a single update that closes the gap—it will take a whole series of developments. But if we get close enough to put them under pressure, maybe they can make more mistakes."

Silverstone could therefore be a turning point – for Hamilton, for Ferrari, and for a balance of power that will continue to shift over the course of the season. But that will require magic, strategy – and a little rain.