Lewis Hamilton missed a podium finish at the Singapore Grand Prix after staying out during a Virtual Safety Car period on lap 39, leading to a sixth-place finish and an apology issued to Ferrari.
Singapore Grand Prix Strategy Clash
Hamilton started the race in third place on medium tyres while Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc lined up on softs. According to race reporting from BBC Sport, Hamilton’s initial medium-compound stint was shorter than planned because the tyres failed to perform, forcing an early pit stop on lap 19 to switch to softs. Once back on track, Hamilton found himself directly behind Leclerc and maintained faster pace initially, repeatedly asking team engineers over the radio for permission to challenge for position. Ferrari instructed Hamilton to hold station, leaving him frustrated as Leclerc stayed ahead.
When Lance Stroll’s Aston Martin stopped on track to trigger a Virtual Safety Car on lap 39, Ferrari called both drivers into the pits for a double stack. Formula 1 reported that stopping under the VSC saves approximately 10 seconds compared to racing conditions. While Leclerc successfully pitted for fresh soft tyres and remained ahead, Hamilton drove past the pit lane entry. Autosport noted that Hamilton later claimed he missed the entry, though some paddock analysis suggested a deliberate gamble to maintain track position rather than slotting in behind his teammate.
Vasseur Admits Missed Pit Stop Cost Double Podium
Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur confirmed that Hamilton was supposed to pit alongside Leclerc. Speaking to F1 TV after the race, Vasseur stated that the missed pit stop cost the team a definite double-podium finish of second and third place. “It was clearly a mistake when you see the outcome, it was not a good call,” Vasseur said, while adding that the team respects driver instinct inside the cockpit. Vasseur defended the decision to keep Leclerc ahead during their earlier stint because Leclerc had pitted six laps later, giving him a tyre advantage.
SPORTbible reported that Hamilton admitted fault over the team radio on his cool-down lap, stating he let the team down with the strategy call. Having felt unwell in the sweltering conditions, Hamilton was excused from post-race media duties but released a formal statement through Ferrari. “A painful lesson, but I take full responsibility for the decisions I made,” Hamilton wrote in his statement, which was later reiterated on Instagram. He acknowledged that while he wanted to try an alternative strategy at a venue where overtaking is notoriously difficult, the gamble failed.
Tyre Degradation Drops Hamilton to Sixth Place
Hamilton’s decision to stay out on 20-lap-old tyres proved costly as severe degradation set in during the final 10 laps. Hamilton tumbled from third position down to sixth at the chequered flag, crossing the line nearly a minute behind race winner Max Verstappen.
Vasseur highlighted that Ferrari remains locked in a tight four-team battle at the front of the grid alongside Red Bull, McLaren, and Mercedes, with margins often under two tenths of a second. Formula 1 now heads to The Americas for a triple header, beginning with the United States Grand Prix in Austin from October 23-25.
Singapore Grand Prix Questions and Answers
Why did Lewis Hamilton stay out during the Virtual Safety Car?
Hamilton stated that he chose to stay out to protect track position at a circuit where passing is difficult, though Ferrari principal Frederic Vasseur confirmed the team had called both cars in to pit together.
Who ultimately won the Singapore Grand Prix?
Max Verstappen secured victory for Red Bull, finishing seven seconds ahead of Charles Leclerc, who crossed the line second for Ferrari.
What position did Lewis Hamilton finish after his strategy gamble?
Hamilton dropped from third place in the closing laps to finish sixth behind Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli and McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
Where does Formula 1 race next?
The championship moves to The Americas for a triple header starting with the United States Grand Prix in Austin from October 23-25.
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