Source: Official Team Post via X
Vasseur: Hamilton's Strategy Error Cost Ferrari a Podium in Singapore
Ferrari's Fred Vasseur attributes Lewis Hamilton's missed podium at the Singapore GP to a strategic misstep. Hamilton opted to stay out during a Virtual Safety Car, which ultimately led to him finishing sixth.
Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur has reflected on a costly decision by Lewis Hamilton during the Singapore Grand Prix that saw him lose out on a podium finish. According to Vasseur, Hamilton's choice to remain on the track instead of pitting under the Virtual Safety Car was a 'mistake' that had significant repercussions.
The race began with Ferrari in a promising position. Hamilton and Charles Leclerc had secured strong starting positions, with Leclerc initially leading on the softer tyres. Despite Hamilton's early struggles on medium tyres, a swift pit stop after 19 laps saw him climb back into third as the race unfolded.
Leclerc, with a comfortable lead, managed his tyre strategy well and stayed ahead of his teammate. However, the situation took a turn when a Virtual Safety Car presented an opportunity for a double pit stop. Hamilton, however, chose to continue on his worn tyres, ignoring Ferrari's strategy call.
This decision left him exposed as his tyre performance waned in the final stages of the race. McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, along with Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli, capitalized on his dwindling pace, demoting Hamilton to sixth place by the time the race concluded.
Vasseur confirmed the sequence of events to F1 TV, stating, "The call was to pit both drivers during the VSC, and Lewis decided to stay out. It was a mistake overall — we could have secured P2 and P3 today. He apologized on the in-lap for the strategy. We asked him to pit, and he didn’t."
Despite the setback, Hamilton expressed his regret to the team, acknowledging the strategic error: "Sorry boys, I let you down with that strategy," he said over the radio.
In a discussion with Sky Sports F1, Vasseur further explained, "We kept the door open for both pit options depending on the VSC. We called them both to pit — it would have been P2 and P3 as that was our position on track. He missed the pit entry. It's unfortunate because he missed out on a podium too."
Looking ahead, Vasseur emphasized the importance of focusing on the upcoming race in Austin, noting that the team's performance in Singapore was satisfactory despite the missed opportunity.