Toto Wolff accepts blame for Lewis Hamilton’s poor race in Singapore

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff took the blame for Lewis Hamilton's P6 finish at Singapore, citing poor team strategy.

Toto Wolff accepts blame for Lewis Hamilton’s poor race in Singapore

Toto Wolff Lewis Hamilton (via IMAGO)

The Singapore Grand Prix is notorious for its physically demanding challenges, particularly the extreme heat drivers endure in the cockpit. This intense temperature can lead to dehydration, negatively impacting their performance. The heat significantly affected Lewis Hamilton‘s performance in Singapore, resulting in a sixth-place finish.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff admitted that it was the team’s fault for using the wrong strategy for Lewis Hamilton at the Singapore GP. In F1, teams must carefully decide when to make pit stops and which tires to use, as these choices can greatly influence a race’s outcome. Mercedes opted for soft tires thinking it would give them a good opportunity at the start.

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However, it did not yield the desired results, causing Hamilton to struggle on the track. This poor decision made by the team impacted the Briton’s performance and mood, resulting in a P6 finish.

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We thought the soft tyre would give a good opportunity at the start. It was pretty much the only overtaking opportunity. And that was the wrong decision that we all took together jointly.
Toto Wolff told GPBlog.com

Wolff explained that Mercedes initially felt confident about their race strategy, believing it had a good offset. However, as the race progressed, they realized the rear tires were degrading faster than expected, leading to a decline in performance. While there was logic behind their original strategy, eventually it proved to be the wrong choice.

It felt like a good offset. But with the rear tyre deg, there was only one way and that was backwards. There was a logic behind it, but obviously it was contrary of what we should have decided.
Toto Wolff added
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Toto Wolff admits car’s lack of speed overshadowed strategy for Lewis Hamilton at the Singapore GP

Toto Wolff emphasized that the main problem with Mercedes’ performance in Singapore was the car’s lack of speed, regardless of the strategy used during the race. He explained that when a car is slow, it does not perform well on the track, regardless of the tactics used.

Toto Wolff
Toto Wolff (via IMAGO)
It doesn't hide away from the fact that when a car is too slow, you're just slow. Maybe a position ahead or behind doesn't change anything.
Toto Wolff expressed
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While many believed Mercedes had returned to form after three Grand Prix victories this season, it has been more of a one-off for them. With just six rounds left, it appears difficult for the Silver Arrows to compete for the Constructors’ Championship. Rivals McLaren and Red Bull are significantly ahead, making it unlikely for Mercedes to catch the front runners given their car’s current lack of speed.