Skip to main content
See every side of every news story
Published • loading... • Updated

Lewis Hamilton Apologizes to Ferrari After His Strategy Call Cost Him a Podium Place – WTOP News

Hamilton said he lost Ferrari valuable points after a one-stop gamble left him sixth and cost a likely podium.

  • On Sunday, October 11, 2026, Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton finished sixth at the Singapore Grand Prix after missing a crucial pit entry during a virtual safety car period on lap 39.
  • Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur confirmed the squad instructed both drivers to pit under the VSC, but Hamilton chose to stay out, overriding the team's double-stack plan. Vasseur later described the decision as 'clearly a mistake.'
  • Hamilton's decision forced a 44-lap stint on soft tires, which lacked grip in the closing stages, allowing Mercedes' Andrea Kimi Antonelli, McLaren's Lando Norris, and McLaren's Oscar Piastri to overtake him. From lap 41 onward, he averaged 2.5 seconds per lap slower than teammate Charles Leclerc.
  • Hamilton apologized to Ferrari over team radio, saying 'Sorry boys, I let you down today with that strategy.' His sixth-place finish reduced his drivers' standings lead over Max Verstappen to eight points following the Dutchman's maiden Singapore victory.
  • Ferrari confirmed Hamilton required FIA medical assessment after feeling unwell, marking his second illness in three years at the event. Team principal Vasseur stated the focus shifts to Austin: 'But now let's be focused on Austin.
Insights by Ground AI
Podcasts & Opinions

113 Articles

Right

Trouble in Formula 1: Because Lewis Hamilton did not follow the instructions of his racing team, Ferrari team leader Fred Vasseur is pissed off at his star driver.

·Vienna, Austria
Read Full Article
Center

Lewis Hamilton's incorrect strategy call during the Singapore Grand Prix means Kimi Antonelli can win the world title at the next race in Austin. Source link

Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/yearSubscribe

Bias Distribution

  • 37% of the sources are Center
37% Center

Factuality Info Icon

To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

Ownership

Info Icon

To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage

gpblog.com broke the news on Friday, October 9, 2026.
Too Big Arrow Icon
Sources are mostly out of (0)

Similar News Topics

News
Feed Dots Icon
For You
Search Icon
Search
Blindspot LogoBlindspotLocal