‘Stop telling me I’m racing people’: Familiar frustrations on Hamilton’s radio in finale

Lewis Hamilton and race engineer Ricardo Adami shared a laugh as the final race of 2025 came to an end.

But the communication between the pair throughout the race was not up to the same standard demonstrated by the three championship contenders, whose exchanges were notably calmer and more effective.

Hamilton at least managed to produce a face-saving recovery drive into the points positions following a spirit-crushing third consecutive elimination in the first round of qualifying. That ensured he was not out-scored by the driver who took his place when he left Mercedes at the end of last season, Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

He climbed eight places to eighth despite more of the testy exchanges with Adami which have characterised his 2025 campaign. Hamilton was particularly frustrated to receive his first instruction regarding track limits when he had already been given two ‘strikes’ by race control – four triggering a five-second time penalty – following which he reported a dozen instances of rival drivers committing the same infraction.

Hamilton’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix radio messages

“Out-lap critical”
“Everything is looking peachy”
“I know I’m racing him”
“Pay attention track limits turn one”
“Do I need to overtake?”
“Stop confirming!”
“I’ll always fight for you guys. Grazie.”

Out-lap critical

Hamilton started the race on soft tyres and made an early pit stop.

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“Everything is looking peachy”

Hamilton’s early visit to the pits meant he was able to enjoy some time in clear air, which helped him to gain ground on others ahead.

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“I know I’m racing him”

Hamilton told Adami more than once he did not need so many reminders which cars he was in competition with.

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“Pay attention, track limits, turn one”

Track limits also became a bone of contention for Hamilton. He and several other drivers came close to collecting five-second time penalties for running wide. Hamilton made his second and final pit stop shortly after half-distance.

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“Do I need to overtake?”

Following his second pit stop, Hamilton picked off several slower cars, then caught a cluster of others running in a DRS train. After checking his race situation, he made it clear he didn’t want further reminders.

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“Stop confirming!”

While Hamilton continued to alert Ferrari to potential track limits infringements by his rivals, he told Adami he didn’t need an acknowledgement every time.

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“I’ll always fight for you guys. Grazie.”

Hamilton’s first season at Ferrari clearly didn’t go as well as he intended. The team failed to win a single grand prix, and though Hamilton took a sprint race victory, he never scored a podium finish on a Sunday.

He sent a message of thanks to his team at the end of the year, and though his exchanges with Adami had been strained at times during this race and earlier in the season, the pair were still able to share a laugh. Nonetheless he will surely expect a smoother race-day operation when he returns to action in 2026.

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