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Hamilton Apologizes After Missed Last-Lap Ferrari Swap With Leclerc in Baku

Ferrari describes the non-executed order as a misjudgment with little effect on the result.

Formula One F1 - Azerbaijan Grand Prix - Baku City Circuit, Baku, Azerbaijan - September 21, 2025 Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton arrives before the race REUTERS/Anton Vaganov

Overview

  • Ferrari instructed a late swap back after Charles Leclerc had earlier let Lewis Hamilton through to chase cars ahead.
  • Hamilton said he lifted and braked on the run to the line but misjudged the timing by roughly four tenths and pledged to apologize.
  • The race ended with Hamilton eighth and Leclerc ninth after the positions were not exchanged on the final lap.
  • Leclerc played down the importance of P8 versus P9 yet hinted customary intra-team rules were not observed and said he expects stricter respect in bigger fights.
  • Team principal Fred Vasseur pointed to a finish-line misjudgment, and Ferrari indicated the late call left insufficient time to complete the move.