Lewis Hamilton Apologizes to Ferrari After His Strategy Call Cost Him a Podium Place
Hamilton said he chose not to pit under a virtual safety car, costing Ferrari a podium and dropping him to sixth.
- 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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51 Articles
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.
British error in strategy. The radio team admits it: "My fault"
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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