Hamilton releases statement after ‘painful lesson’ in Singapore

Lewis Hamilton has posted on social media to reiterate has apology to Ferrari after a “painful lesson” at the Singapore Grand Prix.

Hamilton overrode Ferrari’s strategy while on course for a podium finish by opting not to pit for fresh tyres during a Virtual Safety Car period, leaving him vulnerable in the closing stages of the race.

He was overtaken by Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc, who did pit when the VSC came out, and was subsequently passed by Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli, plus McLaren duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri as he dropped to sixth.

Hamilton was excused from fulfilling his media duties after the race as he felt unwell after competing in the sweltering conditions, but released a statement via Ferrari, and has posted himself on Instagram on Monday with similar comments.

“Yesterday wasn’t the result we were looking for, and that’s on me. At a track that’s difficult to overtake, you need to try something different and I chose a strategy that ultimately didn’t deliver,” he wrote.

“It’s a painful lesson to learn, but I take full responsibility for the decisions I made. In this sport, not every call will work out. It’s about accepting when you get it wrong and how you move forward.

“I’m grateful to the team for the work they put in every weekend. P6 doesn’t reflect the pace we had in the car over the weekend, and despite the result there are positives to take away.

“Massive thanks to the fans in Singapore for the energy. I’ll continue to put the work in and come back fighting at the next race.”

Vasseur: Don’t blame the team

Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur was asked several questions about Hamilton’s decision and was eager to stress to not put any blame on the team.

“It was clearly a mistake when you see the outcome, it was not a good call,” said Vasseur.

“But, on the other hand, quite often you have to listen to the drivers because they are in the car and have the feeling with the tyres but for this one it is clear for me. But I respect their feeling in the car.”

Ferrari were hoping to challenge Max Verstappen for victory in Singapore but they closest they came was at the start when Leclerc almost drew alongside the Red Bull driver but was forced to back out going into Turn 1.

Leclerc put Verstappen under pressure during the early stages of the race before fading away and finished seven seconds behind the Dutchman.

Vasseur pointed out Ferrari “struggled more” compared to Red Bull in traffic but admits F1’s top four teams are very close on pace.

“Red Bull are doing well. But we have to fight with McLaren and Mercedes [as well],” he said.

“At the beginning of the season Mercedes were flying, then McLaren won two or three [races], then Red Bull won two pr three [races].

“We have four teams in less than two tenths. If someone brings an upgrade, the classification can change. The most important is to focus on yourselves.”

Formula 1 next heads to The Americas for another triple header with the United States Grand Prix in Austin up first on October 23-25, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime