Lewis Hamilton Apologizes to Ferrari After His Strategy Call Cost Him a Podium Place
- On Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton took responsibility for a strategy error during the Singapore Grand Prix, which cost him a podium finish after deciding not to pit under the VSC.
- Race control deployed the VSC on lap 39 after Lance Stroll pulled his Aston Martin off track, prompting Hamilton to remain on track for a mammoth 44-lap stint on soft tires.
- While teammate Charles Leclerc utilized the VSC for a second pitstop, Hamilton struggled for grip on older tires, eventually finishing sixth behind Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
- "I let you down today with that strategy," Hamilton said over the radio, noting his tactical call cost him about 41.5 seconds and left him nearly 46 seconds behind Leclerc.
- Following the Dutchman's victory, Hamilton's lead over fourth-placed Max Verstappen dwindled to eight points in the drivers' standings after the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix.
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For Lewis Hamilton, the Singapore Grand Prix was one to forget quickly. The seven-time world champion seemed headed for third place, behind Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc and winner Max Verstappen, but a series of notable decisions ultimately led to only sixth place.
Unsettling scenes after the Singapore Grand Prix. Hamilton squats together, has to go to the track doctors and cancels all media appointments.
Radio France Internationale
France24'Sorry boys': Hamilton takes blame for botched tyre call
Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc were both called in on lap 39 by Ferrari under a virtual safety car caused by Lance Stroll breaking down. Leclerc took advantage of a cheap second pit stop under the "VSC" to get rid of his medium tyres for a fresh set of softs and eventually finished second. But Hamilton decided to stay out in second place on his much older soft tyres, a decision that would cost him dearly as he ended up having to go a mar…
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