Brundle Criticizes Hamilton's Strategy Attempt at Singapore GP

Martin Brundle had some sharp words for Lewis Hamilton after the Singapore Grand Prix, suggesting the seven-time world champion might have been trying to do too much from the cockpit. The race saw Hamilton's hopes of a podium fade following an unsuccessful strategy call made under a virtual safety car with just over 20 laps to go. Initially poised for a third-place finish, Hamilton ended up sixth as Charles Leclerc, Kimi Antonelli, and both McLarens overtook him.

Brundle, in his column for Sky Sports, highlighted the challenge of managing a car and a team's strategy from inside the vehicle, describing Hamilton's approach as 'impossible' in today's F1. After the race, which Hamilton did not immediately discuss with the media due to feeling unwell, he took responsibility for the strategy call via team radio. Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur confirmed that the plan had been for Hamilton to double stack behind Leclerc during the pit stops. However, with fresher tires, Hamilton found himself defenseless against his rivals, something Mercedes boss Toto Wolff echoed.

One point of contention was whether Ferrari should have allowed Hamilton to pass Leclerc earlier in the race, potentially altering the outcome. Hamilton had started on medium tires, a choice that soon proved misguided, leading him to pit earlier than planned and setting the stage for the strategy misfire. A glitch prevented the public from hearing the crucial radio exchanges with his engineer, Carlo Santi, leaving some uncertainty about how the call was communicated.

Hamilton later reflected on social media, acknowledging the need to try something different due to the difficulties in overtaking at the circuit but accepting full responsibility for the misjudgment. "Yesterday wasn’t the result we were looking for, and that’s on me," he wrote. "It’s a painful lesson to learn, but in this sport, not every call will work out."

Despite the setback, Hamilton remains third in the drivers' standings, though his lead over Max Verstappen, Leclerc, and Lando Norris has narrowed to within 30 points.