Lewis Hamilton apologises to Ferrari after strategy error costs podium in Singapore
The seven‑time champion blamed his own call for staying out on soft tyres, losing three positions and missing out on a podium finish.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Lewis Hamilton admitted on team radio that a strategic decision he made cost Ferrari a podium finish at the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday, according to the Independent.
What happened
Hamilton started the night race from third on the grid and was running in that position after a brief tussle with teammate Charles Leclerc. While Leclerc pitted under a virtual safety car on lap 39, Hamilton elected to stay out on older soft tyres. The choice proved costly as Leclerc passed him for second, and Kimi Antonelli, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri each moved ahead, leaving Hamilton sixth on the final lap.
What the reports add
The Independent’s first article notes that Hamilton’s early pit for soft tyres caused his grip to drop off, forcing him to lose three places in the closing stages. The second article adds that Hamilton felt unwell after the race and was given permission by the FIA to skip post‑race media duties. Both pieces report that Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur said the team was not to blame, emphasizing that Hamilton’s call was his own.
What was said
On the radio, Hamilton said: “Sorry boys, I let you down today with that strategy. It was my call and I lost us valuable points. I’ll try and make up for it next time,” as reported by the Independent.
Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur told the outlet: “We asked him (Hamilton) to pit. Don’t blame the team guys, clearly on the radio he apologised and said ‘it was my call’,” adding that the decision rested with the driver.
How it came about
Hamilton’s frustration follows a recent string of mixed results, including his comments on wet‑weather races after the Malaysia software glitch (Felo coverage). The Singapore weekend also featured a high‑profile appearance by his girlfriend Kim Kardashian, highlighted in a Felo piece on her pastel‑pink outfit (Felo coverage). Earlier practice sessions saw George Russell fastest, with Hamilton fourth, underscoring the competitive field (Felo coverage).
Key facts
- Hamilton started third and finished sixth after staying out on soft tyres. (independent.co.uk)
- He apologised on team radio, saying the strategy was his call. (independent.co.uk)
- Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur said the team was not to blame. (independent.co.uk)
- Hamilton was allowed to skip post‑race media duties due to feeling unwell. (independent.co.uk)
- The error left Hamilton 111 points behind championship leader Antonelli. (independent.co.uk)
Timeline
- 2026-10-08 — Hamilton criticised wet‑weather races after Malaysia software glitch
- 2026-10-09 — George Russell topped Singapore practice, Hamilton fourth
- 2026-10-10 — Kim Kardashian attended Singapore GP in pastel pink
