Overview
- Hamilton chose an alternative start strategy at the Singapore Grand Prix, starting on medium tyres while team‑mate Charles Leclerc used softs to try for a different race window.
- When a virtual safety car was deployed on lap 39, Ferrari called both drivers to pit but Hamilton elected to stay out on older soft tyres and then immediately realised the call was likely wrong as he reached pit entry.
- The medium tyre selection underperformed on Singapore’s surface, forced an earlier stop for Hamilton and left him stuck behind Leclerc, costing him pace in the final laps and a sixth‑place finish after being passed by rivals.
- Hamilton has publicly accepted responsibility and apologised for costing the team points, and Ferrari says it has held internal discussions to improve coordination between drivers and strategists.
- The episode highlights limits of pre‑race tyre simulations on certain circuits and raises the prospect of tighter team procedures for VSC and pit decisions in upcoming races.