Lewis Hamilton has apologised for sarcastic radio messages directed at Ferrari during the Dutch Grand Prix, saying his frustration during the race did not reflect the “best version” of himself.

The seven-time Formula One world champion was frustrated after spending part of Sunday's race at Zandvoort behind Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc and believed delayed strategy calls had cost him a possible podium finish.

“Such a waste of time, guys. Well done,” Hamilton said sarcastically over the team radio after Leclerc was eventually called into the pits.

Hamilton finished fourth, less than a second behind Mercedes driver George Russell, after a weekend in which Ferrari had introduced upgrades intended to improve the performance of its car.

After reviewing the race, the 41-year-old Briton struck a different tone in a post on Instagram, praising Ferrari personnel for their work at the factory and taking responsibility for his comments.

“I listened back to some of my radio comments,” Hamilton wrote. “In the heat of the moment, frustration can spill over, especially when you care as deeply as I do, but that wasn't the best version of me.”

“I take responsibility for that, and I'll be better.”

Hamilton's remarks followed a tense race in which Ferrari's pit strategy left him running behind Leclerc longer than he wanted, reducing his opportunity to challenge Russell for the final podium position.

Despite his disappointment, Hamilton said he remained confident in Ferrari's direction.

“The direction is clear. The belief is there. The fight is definitely still on,” he wrote.

Hamilton and Russell are level on points in the drivers' championship, although Russell holds second place because he has more race victories. Both trail Russell's Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli by 59 points.

Hamilton's move from Mercedes to Ferrari has placed intense attention on his relationship with the Italian team and its attempts to return to sustained championship contention.

The Dutch race was the latest occasion on which his exchanges with Ferrari engineers attracted attention, but Hamilton's subsequent comments sought to draw a distinction between frustration during competition and his broader confidence in the team.

Ferrari will now turn its attention to one of the most closely watched weekends of its season.

Formula One travels next to the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Ferrari's home race, where Hamilton and Leclerc will compete in front of the team's tifosi. The event is also a home race for Italian championship leader Antonelli.