Hamilton apologises for Singapore strategy gamble after costly mistake
Lewis Hamilton admits his decision to stay out under the VSC in Singapore was a ‘painful lesson’, apologising to the team and fans as the mis‑call drops him to third in the Drivers’ Championship.
Lewis Hamilton issued a public apology on Sunday after the Singapore Grand Prix, acknowledging that his decision to stay on track during the Virtual Safety Car (VSC) was a strategic error that cost him a podium finish. Speaking to the media, the seven‑time World Champion said the move was a "painful lesson" and took full responsibility for the gamble, which left Mercedes scrambling for an extra pit stop later in the race.
Hamilton had been leading the race when the VSC was deployed following a minor incident on the pit straight. While his rivals, Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, elected to pit for fresh tyres, Hamilton and the Mercedes crew elected to stay out, hoping to gain track position. The decision back‑fired when the VSC period ended, and the Red Bull and Ferrari drivers emerged with a tyre advantage. Hamilton was forced to pit on lap 45, re‑joining the race well down the order and eventually finishing fifth.
The outcome has immediate implications for the championship battle. Verstappen’s victory in Singapore extends his lead over Hamilton to 34 points, while Leclerc’s second‑place finish keeps him within striking distance of the title chase. Hamilton’s fifth‑place haul yields only four points, dropping him to third in the Drivers’ standings, level with Leclerc but behind the Dutch driver.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff later defended the decision as a calculated risk, noting that the VSC timing was ambiguous and that the team had to act quickly. However, he also praised Hamilton for owning the mistake, saying the champion’s humility sets a positive example for the sport.
For Indian fans: The Singapore race aired on FanCode at 11:30 pm IST on Sunday, with a replay on the same platform at 9:00 am IST on Monday. Hamilton’s apology was broadcast live on the post‑race interview segment, which is also available on the official F1 YouTube channel with Indian subtitles. The result means the next race in Japan will be crucial for Hamilton’s title hopes, and Indian viewers can catch the qualifying session at 2:30 pm IST on Friday via FanCode.
Source: Formula1.com