Hamilton’s decision to stay out costs him places at Singapore Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton finished sixth in Formula 1’s Singapore Grand Prix after starting the closing stages in third.

Ferrari had called him into the pits during a virtual safety car period, when the race is temporarily neutralised.

Hamilton said he missed the pit entry, then chose to stay on track to protect his position.

He completed a 44-lap stint on soft tyres, but tyre wear slowed him in the final laps and he lost three places.

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur said the choice was a mistake, while noting that drivers’ feedback from inside the car also matters.

Hamilton said he took full responsibility and called the result a painful lesson.

Ferrari has not said what changes, if any, it will make to its strategy process.