Lewis Hamilton hints Mercedes strategy will put him ‘into trouble’ on team radio at Singapore GP
Lewis Hamilton started the Singapore GP in P3 but lost heaps of time due to questionable strategy by Mercedes.
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Lewis Hamilton (Via: Imago)
The Marina Bay circuit has been a favorite for Lewis Hamilton over the years. The seven-time champion has amassed four wins around the streets of Singapore and started this year’s race in P3. However, Mercedes gambled on a set of soft tires for Hamilton, which backfired for the Englishman as he bemoaned the strategy over the radio.
As the lights went out, the top three remained in the same spots as their qualifying positions. Lewis Hamilton started on a set of soft tires hoping to gain a few positions at the race start. On the contrary, the soft set of tires started overheating quickly, causing the Brit to lose heaps of time to Max Verstappen up ahead and fell in the clutches of his teammate before stopping for a set of hard tires.
Subsequently, on lap 18, the 39-year-old came into the pits in a bid to undercut his opponents.
Yep, we’ll be in trouble later. [That stint was] way too short.Lewis hamilton said over the radio
However, Hamilton was not impressed by the team’s elected strategy. He asserted that he would suffer in the dying stages of the race as he came into the pits way earlier than anticipated, questioning the team’s decision while his engineer tried to calm him down.
Lewis Hamilton’s woes continue at the Singapore GP weekend
Despite qualifying greatly yesterday, Hamilton’s first stint had a lasting impact on his race pace. Moreover, even after getting rid of the soft compound of the tires, he complained about his strategy throughout the rest of the race.
After a few laps, the Mercedes driver continued his criticism for bringing him into the pits way earlier than the usual pit window.
You’re killing me with this offset, man.Lewis Hamilton said over the radio
Hamilton claimed that the tire offset would hamper him in his bid to halt his rivals from getting past him. This was later witnessed as Oscar Piastri came out of the pits behind the Brit but was able to make quick way past the veteran driver which portrayed the impact of the tire offset that Hamilton bemoaned about.
As it stands, Lando Norris currently leads the Singapore GP with a 20-second-plus margin over the Dutchman. Thus, the championship titan could make further inroads into Verstappen’s lead and make a statement for his driver’s championship bid.
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Geetansh Pasricha
(772 Articles Published)