Ferrari Clarifies Why Lewis Hamilton’s Singapore GP Gamble Didn’t Pay Off
Ferrari’s team principal explains the decision that cost Hamilton a podium in Singapore.
After a dramatic 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, Ferrari’s team principal Fred Vasseur sat down with the press to explain why Lewis Hamilton’s gamble on a high‑pit‑stop strategy didn’t yield the expected podium finish. Vasseur, who has been in charge of the Scuderia since 2022, acknowledged that the decision to switch from a two‑stop to a three‑stop plan was a calculated risk that ultimately backfired.
According to Vasseur, the team’s data suggested that a three‑stop strategy would give Hamilton a better chance of overtaking the front‑row rivals, especially after the first lap incident that saw the Mercedes drivers collide. The plan hinged on a faster tyre degradation profile and a belief that the extra stop would allow Hamilton to exploit a gap that had opened up behind the Red Bull and Mercedes cars. However, the execution fell short: the first stop was delayed by a safety‑car period, and the tyre wear was less aggressive than predicted, leaving Hamilton with a marginal advantage that was eroded by the end of the race.
Vasseur also pointed out that the team’s simulation models had underestimated the impact of Singapore’s high temperatures and humid conditions on tyre performance. "We knew the track was tough on tyres, but the models didn’t fully capture the heat soak that occurs in the final laps," he said. "In hindsight, a two‑stop strategy might have been more reliable, but the data at the time led us to believe that a three‑stop approach could give us the edge we needed to challenge for the podium.
For Indian fans, the race was broadcast live on FanCode from 3:00 pm IST, with commentary in Hindi and English. The 2024 Singapore GP was a key early‑season test for teams as they fine‑tuned their strategies for the hotter circuits ahead. While Hamilton’s gamble didn’t pay off, the experience will inform Ferrari’s approach in the upcoming Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, where tyre management and pit‑stop timing will be crucial.
Source: Autosport