Hamilton Admits Tyre Strategy Error Cost Him Singapore Grand Prix Podium

Posted : 12 October 2026

Lewis Hamilton accepted responsibility for a costly tyre strategy decision that denied Ferrari a potential double podium at the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday, leaving the seven-time world champion frustrated after finishing sixth.

The British driver and his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc were both instructed to pit on lap 39 when a virtual safety car was deployed following Lance Stroll's breakdown. The neutralisation offered an opportunity to change tyres with less time lost, but the two drivers made different decisions.

Leclerc followed the team's instructions, switching from medium tyres to a fresh set of softs. The move helped him secure second place behind race winner Max Verstappen, while Hamilton remained on track in second position on his older soft tyres.

Hamilton's decision proved costly as he attempted to manage the same set of tyres over the remaining 44 laps. His pace deteriorated, allowing Leclerc to overtake him before Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli, McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri also moved ahead.

The former world champion eventually crossed the finish line in sixth place, nearly 46 seconds behind Leclerc. His late-race struggles cost Ferrari a chance to secure second and third positions in Singapore.

Speaking over team radio after the race, Hamilton apologised to the Ferrari team, admitting that his decision had cost the outfit valuable championship points. He also praised the pit crew and promised to make amends at the next round.

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur expressed disappointment over the missed opportunity, confirming that both drivers had been instructed to pit during the virtual safety car period. He said Hamilton's failure to enter the pit lane cost the team a possible second-and-third-place finish and stressed that the radio instructions had been clear.

Vasseur urged the team to move forward and concentrate on the next race in Austin, Texas, rather than dwell on the setback. He maintained that Ferrari had shown encouraging pace throughout the Singapore weekend, despite losing a potential podium through the strategic error.

The result also affected Hamilton's position in the drivers' championship. Following Max Verstappen's victory in Singapore, Hamilton's advantage over the Red Bull driver was reduced to eight points, increasing the importance of a strong response at the upcoming United States Grand Prix.

Hamilton Admits Tyre Strategy Error Cost Him Singapore Grand Prix Podium

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics