Source: Official Team Post via X
Hamilton's Solo Strategy Call at Singapore Scrutinized by Brundle
Lewis Hamilton's decision to stick with a one-stop strategy at the Singapore Grand Prix raised eyebrows, notably from Martin Brundle. The Ferrari driver took responsibility after the strategy faltered, leading to a slide down the order.
Lewis Hamilton, never one to shy away from taking strategy into his own hands, found himself in the spotlight at the Singapore Grand Prix. Opting for a one-stop strategy, the seven-time world champion's decision didn't quite pan out, drawing criticism from Martin Brundle. Brundle noted the inherent difficulty in managing both driving and strategy from the cockpit of a modern F1 car. Ferrari, meanwhile, defended their role in the strategy call, with team principal Fred Vasseur clarifying that Hamilton had taken the decision upon himself.
Ferrari had split strategies at the event, with Charles Leclerc starting on soft tyres alongside Max Verstappen on the front row, while Hamilton, starting third, chose mediums. The Brit was the first of the leading trio to pit, switching to softs earlier than expected. Despite the softer tyre showing lower degradation, Hamilton was expected to follow a two-stop plan, a sentiment echoed by Ferrari's strategy team.
However, when Lance Stroll's Aston Martin triggered a Virtual Safety Car, Ferrari called Hamilton in for another stop. He missed the pit entry, committing to a one-stop strategy instead. As his tyres began to falter, Hamilton was overtaken by Kimi Antonelli, Lando Norris, and Oscar Piastri, ultimately apologizing over team radio for the misjudged call.
Fred Vasseur confirmed that Hamilton had made the strategic choice himself, saying, “We asked him to [pit]. Don’t blame the team, guys. Clearly in the radio he said, ‘I apologise. I let you down, that it was my call.’” Vasseur added that Ferrari was unsure if Hamilton's tyres could last to the end, prompting their initial call to pit during the VSC.
Brundle, in his Sky Sports column, was skeptical of a driver managing both racing and strategy. He highlighted Hamilton's struggle after initially starting on medium tyres and then switching to softs as early as Lap 18. Despite the opportunity for a cost-effective pit stop under the VSC, Hamilton persisted with his one-stop plan, ultimately costing him positions, including a late-race overtake by Piastri, who had to stop for a slow puncture.
Leclerc managed to secure Ferrari's spot on the podium with a second-place finish. Meanwhile, Hamilton remains third in the Drivers’ Championship, holding a 14-point lead over his teammate as they head to Austin.