Hamilton takes responsibility for Singapore Grand Prix strategy

Lewis Hamilton took responsibility for the strategy at Formula 1’s Singapore Grand Prix after a decision to stay out under a virtual safety car cost him dearly. The neutralisation was triggered on lap 39, when Lance Stroll pulled to the side with a suspected clutch problem on his Aston Martin.

Hamilton had already completed 21 laps on soft tyres at that point. Charles Leclerc, meanwhile, was on a 15-lap medium-tyre stint and was the only driver to use the neutralisation for a cheaper second pit stop.

After the race, Hamilton said over the radio: “Sorry, boys.” He went on to acknowledge: “I let you down today with that strategy. My call, and I lost us valuable points. I’ll try and make up for it in the next one. Great job with the pitstop though.” His race engineer, Carlo Santi, replied: “Understood, thank you Lewis.”

After Verstappen claimed his first Singapore Grand Prix win, Hamilton’s poor result left him just eight points ahead of the Dutchman, who is fourth in the drivers’ standings.