"That wasn't the best version of me," says seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton following Zandvoort outburst.

Though his radio interactions with his engineers, particularly since joining Ferrari, have always been a little feisty, during Sunday's race the Briton's attitude became increasingly frustrated... and vocal.

Having urged his (slower) team to order his teammate to yield position, and the Monegasque twice ignoring orders to pit, Leclerc eventually gave in to the order, thereby releasing Hamilton.

"Great way of wasting time guys, good job," said the Briton, who, in previous, similar situations, has advised the team to take a tea break.

Advised, a few laps later, to pit for new mediums, Hamilton wasn't convinced.

"You guys have got the data, so check it out," he snapped.

Having heard replays of his calls - which will no doubt be used with relish in the newly announced series 9 of Drive to Survive - Hamilton apologised.

"I've listened back to some of my radio and TV comments," he posted on social media. "In the heat of the moment frustration can come out, especially when you care as deeply as I do.

"But that wasn't the best version of me," he added. "I take responsibility for that, and I'll be better.

"That passion comes from believing in this team, the people in it, and what we're building together. The direction is clear. The belief is there. And the fight is absolutely still on.

"Thank you for sticking with us and with me. We'll keep building, keep pushing and keep fighting."

Hamilton heads to Monza equal-second in the championship, 59 points down on local hero Kimi Antonelli.

When Lewis discovers the anticipated issues with energy deployment on the straights expect further frustrated radio calls, though not aimed at his team this time.