'I've thrown away the win': Lewis Hamilton blows up at team in remarkable radio conversation

Lewis Hamilton has lashed out at his Mercedes team for costing him the podium spot at the Austrian GP.

The 33-year-old was well on his way to victory at the Grand Prix until he was forced to retire early.

Details of Hamilton’s retirement have emerged as the radio conversation between the Mercedes team became available – with car problems and a major strategy error to blame.

“I don’t get it guys. I just don’t. I’m not going to be able to pass these guys,” Hamilton said.

“Just thrown away a win.”

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The drama started early in the race when a virtual safety car was deployed.

The Mercedes team failed to call Hamilton in for a pit stop, which meant he lost the lead when pulling in during race conditions.

“Eight seconds? How did we miss that. I’ve got no time left on these tyres,” asked Hamilton.

“I understand. We’re still with you, mate. Just give it what you can,” said Mercedes race engineer Peter Bonnington.

There will be opportunities later. As much as you can now for the next 10 laps.”

But the Mercedes driver’s opportunities wouldn’t eventuate, with tyre problems further preventing his ability to win the race.

“I don’t know what to say to you guys. These rears are not going to f****** last,” Hamilton said.

With Hamilton bowing out of the race eight laps early, the larger consequences mean Sebastian Vettel would overtake him in the overall drivers standings.

“Ultimately we are the quickest, we should’ve won,” Hamilton said in his post-race interview.

“The guys in the pit wall, you have to put 100% confidence and faith in them.”

“We’ve got to work hard to understand where we’ve gone wrong.”

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AFTER VIRTUAL SAFETY CAR

“Eight seconds? How did we miss that. I’ve got no time left on these tyres,” asked Hamilton.

“Lewis, this is James. I have thrown away the win,” Mercedes chief strategist James Vowles said.

“We trust in you and believe in you. I am sorry.”

“I understand. We’re still with you, mate. Just give it what you can. There will be opportunities later. As much as you can now for the next 10 laps,” said Mercedes race engineer Peter Bonnington.

AFTER PIT STOP

“I’m fourth now!” – LH

“Entirely on us that problem, mate.” – PB

BEFORE BEING PASSED BY VETTEL

“I feel like I’m running out of power.” – LH

“I don’t get it guys. I just don’t. I’m not going to be able to pass these guys. Just thrown away a win.” – LH

“Lewis, it’s James. I’ve thrown away the win today but you have the potential opportunity to get back up. Just let the tyres cool. We trust in you and believe in you.” – JV

“The rear tyres delaminate more and more.” – LH

“I don’t know what to say to you guys. These rears are not going to f****** last.” – LH