Hamilton admits Singapore strategy blunder, eyes redemption at United States Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton opened up about the costly strategic mistake that plagued his Singapore Grand Prix weekend, saying the error not only robbed him of a podium finish but also denied Ferrari valuable points. Speaking to Formula1.com ahead of the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas, the seven‑time world champion reflected on how a mis‑read tyre call and an ill‑timed pit stop left him scrambling for pace in the final laps.

What went wrong in Singapore?

Hamilton explained that the team opted for a two‑stop strategy that hinged on a short‑run tyre compound, hoping to gain track position after the safety‑car period. "We were confident the tyre would hold up, but the degradation was far worse than we expected," he said. The miscalculation forced an extra pit stop, dropping him from P2 to P6 and ultimately handing the podium to Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who capitalised on the Mercedes‑Ferrari tussle.

He added that the mistake was especially painful because it also impacted Ferrari’s championship hopes. "It hurts when I lose points for the team," Hamilton remarked, acknowledging the broader implications for the constructors’ battle. The driver stressed that the lesson learned would shape his approach to the upcoming race in Austin.

Looking ahead to the United States GP

With the US Grand Prix just a week away, Hamilton is focused on a clean, error‑free performance. He highlighted the importance of clear communication with the pit wall and a more conservative tyre strategy to avoid the pitfalls experienced in Singapore. "We know the track, we know the tyre wear, and we’ll keep it simple," he said.

The Circuit of the Americas, a favourite among drivers for its flowing corners and long straights, offers Hamilton a chance to rebound. Mercedes have already hinted at a potential three‑stop plan, but the team is expected to keep options open based on qualifying position and weather conditions.

For Indian fans

The United States Grand Prix will be broadcast live on FanCode in India, with the race starting at 02:30 IST on Sunday, 20 October. Fans can also follow live timing on the official F1 app, which offers a dedicated Indian commentary feed. Hamilton’s candid reflections add extra intrigue for Indian viewers eager to see if the seven‑time champion can turn the tide after a disappointing Singapore weekend.

Source: Formula1.com