Why Robert Doornbos says Lewis Hamilton should learn from Max Verstappen’s radio habits

The former Dutch F1 driver said on The Pit Talk podcast: “They gave up on this car in April already. Frederic Vasseur said in April, done. This is not going to be our season.

“And he just signed a seven-time world champion, one of the all-time greats.

“As far back as April, they already abandoned ship. So, therefore, I truly don’t understand the remarks of Lewis Hamilton saying, I don’t look forward to 2026.

“You should just motivate the team and say, guys, done and dusted, 2026 is going to be our year.”

Afterwards, Doornbos discussed the contrast in communication styles between Hamilton and Verstappen, stating: “The mechanics, your engineers, your team. I mean, the radio, the communication with his engineer, was the worst of all driver-engineer partnerships out there. Just no chemistry.

“Come on, motivate the team. There’s not much you can do. We know you had a terrible season, but at least motivate the guys so that they as go into the off-season.

“But look at what happened at Red Bull. Also, Max motivates the team. Thanks the guys always on the radio.

“Even when it goes to s—, he also lets them know he’s not happy. Of course. But this way, you will not motivate the team.”

Lewis Hamilton’s reaction after Abu Dhabi GP raises questions

McHardy was one of the journalists who interviewed Hamilton following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Looking back on that exchange, he said: “I was in the media pen with Lewis, and I know it’s gone viral.

“He gave Lando a big cuddle, but I’ve got to say, that little snapshot when he circled round to us. My goodness me.

“To say he was flat would be an understatement. One and two-word answers again. One of the journalists asked for his words on Lando. ‘Congrats’, to the point.

“Another journalist said, Lewis, a fellow Brit, has just won the world championship. We need a bit more from you.

“And he said, ‘Listen, congratulations. He deserves it.’ He expanded a little bit, not much. He said he just wants to get out of here.”

Hamilton did take a moment over team radio to thank Ferrari for their efforts during his debut season with them.

But there has been plenty of frustration throughout the season – understandable given what Ferrari were hoping to achieve this year.

The winter break gives Vasseur and Lois Serra a chance to reshape things at Ferrari and create an environment where drivers are not as openly frustrated.