Lewis Hamilton could have achieved a better result in Singapore GP what if Mercedes had chosen a different strategy? It is a question that many are asking after the seven-time world champion, who started third, finished in sixth position. The choice to start on soft tyres, while almost all the other drivers were on mediums, proved counterproductive. What prompted Mercedes to make this choice and what do the protagonists think of this failed strategy?
Choosing Soft Tyres: A Failed Bet
The decision to start Hamilton on the soft tyres was a gamble that didn't pay off. The aim was to exploit the greater grip of the soft tyres to gain positions in the early laps, perhaps also counting on an early safety car that could have favoured a more aggressive strategy. However, the race didn't follow this script and the choice ended up costing Hamilton dearly.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff explained the decision: “We misread the situation. Our decision was based on the historic races in Singapore, where the race was a procession, similar to Monaco. We thought that starting on the soft would give a good opportunity to overtake in the early laps. It was basically the only overtaking opportunity.” Wolff added: “It looked like a good offset, but with the degradation of the rear tyre, the only direction we went was backwards.”
This misreading forced Hamilton to stop much earlier than the other drivers, losing precious positions while his opponents on medium tyres managed to maintain a more consistent pace and extend their first stint.
Hamilton's words: "The strategy didn't work"
Hamilton did not hide his disappointment with how the race unfolded. “It’s difficult to describe the emotions you feel after such a difficult race,” said the British driver. “We approached the weekend with the best intentions, but unfortunately the strategy didn’t work.”
Despite the disappointment, Hamilton tried to maintain a positive attitude, accepting the shared responsibility within the team. “We all go through the weekend and make decisions collectively. Sometimes things don’t work out as planned, but we are a team and we have to learn from these mistakes,” the driver said.
Hamilton also highlighted the physical strain that came with the race, racing on one of the most demanding circuits of the season. The high temperatures and humidity typical of Singapore meant that both Mercedes drivers were extremely tired by the end of the race. “It was one of the most physically tough races I can remember,” Hamilton added, also referring to the symptoms of “heatstroke exhaustion” that Wolff has spoken of in relation to his drivers.
A missed opportunity for the podium
With third place in qualifying, Hamilton seemed to have a good chance of securing another podium, but tyre choice compromised his result. After a poor start, Hamilton was unable to contain the attacks of Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc, finishing in sixth place. “We didn’t get it right, but we are working hard to understand what made us lose ground in the last few races,” Hamilton explained. The British champion stressed the importance of maintaining team spirit: “We will do what we do best: come together, analyse and focus on the next race in Austin.”
Wolff's reflection: "Wrong decision, but the car wasn't fast enough"
Toto Wolff was clear: “We made a strategic choice that didn’t pay off, but in the end maybe it wouldn’t have changed much. The car wasn’t competitive enough.” The Mercedes team principal acknowledged that, despite the mistake in tyre choice, the car’s speed wasn’t up to the rivals’ in this race. “Maybe a position of advantage or disadvantage wouldn’t have made a big difference. When you’re too slow, there’s not much you can do,” Wolff explained, highlighting the difficulties the team has been facing in recent times.
A Look Ahead: Austin in the Crosshairs
Despite their frustration with the Singapore result, both Hamilton and Wolff are ready to focus on the next race in Austin. “We’ve lost a bit of form to the leaders, but we’re working hard to understand why,” Hamilton said. “We’ll go to Austin with energy, grit and determination. It’s another opportunity to show what we can do when we do things right and hopefully make a step forward with the car.”
Wolff confirmed that the team will continue to work hard to improve the car’s performance: “We will bring some updates to Austin and hopefully they will help us to be more competitive. We had a good moment before the summer break, now we need to find that form again.”
Statement source: FormulaPassion
