Source: Official Team Post via X
Bernie Collins on Hamilton's Trust Issues with Ferrari After Singapore Misstep
Bernie Collins suggests Lewis Hamilton's reluctance to follow Ferrari's strategy calls may indicate a lack of trust. The Singapore Grand Prix saw Hamilton's decision to ignore a pit call result in a slip down the order, raising questions about his confidence in the team.
Lewis Hamilton's decision-making on the track continues to raise eyebrows, particularly after the latest twist at the Singapore Grand Prix. Former F1 strategist Bernie Collins has weighed in, suggesting that Hamilton's actions might reflect a deeper issue of trust with his current team, Ferrari.
During the race, Hamilton chose to stay out on worn soft tyres under a virtual safety car, despite Ferrari's instructions to pit. Missing the pit entry, whether intentional or not, cost him valuable positions, ultimately finishing sixth. While Hamilton later apologized, this wasn't the first time he went against Ferrari's strategic advice.
Jean Alesi, another voice in the paddock, echoed the sentiment that Hamilton's error was bound to occur, given his ongoing dissatisfaction with Ferrari's strategic decisions. At the previous race in Sepang, tire strategy again became a point of contention. Ferrari initially kept him on slicks in damp conditions, a call that backfired when the majority of the grid started on intermediates. Hamilton's decision to ignore a subsequent call to switch to wet tyres ultimately paid off, as he managed to secure a third-place finish.
Collins, speaking on The F1 Show, remarked on the radio silence during the Singapore race, noting that the audience missed hearing the pit call. "Fred [Vasseur] came out afterward and confirmed the call was made, but Hamilton either missed or ignored it," she said. She pointed out that someone with Hamilton's experience doesn't simply forget to pit. Collins suggested that the decision might have been deliberate, underscoring a pattern of mistrust.
The situation in Malaysia, where Hamilton chose to stick it out on dry tyres against team advice, further illustrates this dynamic. Collins believes these incidents highlight a broader issue of trust between Hamilton and Ferrari. She noted that in the fast-paced environment of a virtual safety car, there's little time for extensive dialogue, which can exacerbate any underlying issues.
Martin Brundle observed that Hamilton seemed to be attempting to 'run' Ferrari from the cockpit, indicating a significant disconnect. Jolyon Palmer criticized the communication between Hamilton and his race engineer, Carlo Santi, suggesting that miscommunication is a recurring problem.
As Ferrari grapples with these trust issues, they may need to reassess their approach with the veteran driver. The relationship, as it stands, appears far from harmonious, and with Hamilton's stature in the sport, resolving these communication breakdowns is crucial for future success.