Hamilton defends his strategic choices after Singapore: “That’s not enough for me”

Hamilton has explained why he wanted to take charge of some strategic decisions at the Singapore Grand Prix, summing up his ambition in a pointed phrase: “That’s not enough for me.” He wanted an alternative to team-mate Charles Leclerc’s strategy rather than having them follow the same approach. In his view, the plan being considered would have left the two Ferraris finishing second and third, while he wanted to give himself a chance of achieving more.

Hamilton chose to start on medium tyres. He hoped they might last longer, giving him more options, but said they did not feel as he had expected. In the closing stages at Marina Bay, running on worn tyres, he dropped out of the podium places and finished sixth. His decision not to pit under the Virtual Safety Car, despite the Ferrari pit wall’s request, proved costly.

The driver also described what happened at the pit-lane entry: he did not know Leclerc was coming in and decided, in a split-second, to stay out. “As soon as I had passed the pit-lane entry, I realised it was probably the wrong decision,” he admitted, adding that he accepted responsibility. He says he has owned the mistake and wants to make sure it does not happen again. After the race, feeling unwell, he was excused by the FIA from his media duties; his first comments came in a team statement and then on Instagram.

He spoke in person about the episode at Thursday’s press conference in Austin, ahead of the United States Grand Prix. Sky Sports reports that constructive discussions have taken place within the team since Singapore. Hamilton says their collaboration remains good, while defending his right to question established choices: “My job is not always to follow suit, but to keep challenging the team and myself.” He also acknowledged that losing points for the team hurts and pledged to redouble his efforts.

The United States Grand Prix in Austin opens another Formula 1 triple-header in the Americas. The event’s schedule includes the first practice sessions.