Lewis Hamilton demands “big changes” after Ferrari F1 car software issues at Miami Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton has called on Ferrari to make “big changes” to his car ahead of Formula 1 qualifying at the Miami Grand Prix.

After engaging in a thrilling duel with his great F1 rival Max Verstappen during the early stages of Saturday’s sprint race in Miami, the seven-time world champion faded and had to settle with an underwhelming seventh place.

Hamilton revealed that he had been battling software issues that meant his Ferrari was not deploying power properly - both during sprint qualifying and the race itself.

“I’m hoping that we can change a lot,” Hamilton told Sky Sports F1 after the Miami sprint.

"Yesterday, we lost three tenths just because the software wasn’t working properly. So I’m driving the same but losing down the straights.

“In the race it seemed that continued from [sprint] qualifying, so I think they are going to have to do some software changes or something going into qualifying. Hopefully we’ll have slightly better deployment.

“The set-up is in the wrong place, so definitely will make some big changes going into qualifying.”

Verstappen was left frustrated that Hamilton “wasted our time” when he handed the Ferrari driver a place back during their scrap.

Having been told to give position back to Hamilton after completing an aggressive move outside of track limits at Turn 17, the Dutchman obliged.

However, Hamilton did not appear keen to take the place, irking Verstappen, who was seen waving his hands at Hamilton from the cockpit of his Red Bull.

“I mean, I had to let him by, but he doesn’t come by,” Verstappen said afterwards. “So, we lose four seconds because he stays behind me.

“That’s where we wasted our time. I don’t know what else I could have done there, so that’s a bit of a shame.”

Hamilton did not comment on his battle with Verstappen.