Sports · Motorsport · 6 hrs ago
Hamilton says ignoring Ferrari pit call cost him Singapore GP podium
Lewis Hamilton finished sixth in the Singapore Grand Prix after starting the closing stages in third place.
Ferrari called him into the pits under a virtual safety car, a period when drivers can stop with less time loss than usual.
Hamilton missed the pit entry and chose to stay on his tyres rather than come in later.
The older tyres lost grip, and three rivals passed him in the final laps.
Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc finished second, while Max Verstappen won the race.
Hamilton apologized to the team and said he took responsibility for the decision.
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur said they would discuss it, and the next race is the United States Grand Prix.
Lewis Hamilton finished sixth at the Singapore Grand Prix after staying out when Ferrari called him to pit under a virtual safety car.
He dropped from third place to sixth in the final 12 laps as rivals on fresher tyres passed him.
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur said Hamilton’s decision cost the team a chance to put both cars on the podium.
Hamilton took responsibility, calling the outcome a painful lesson and apologizing to his team.
Charles Leclerc finished second, while Max Verstappen won the race.
- Who
- Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari; Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen were also key drivers in the race.
- What
- Hamilton stayed out after Ferrari called him to pit and finished sixth, having been third.
- When
- Sunday, October 11, 2026, during the Singapore Grand Prix.
- Where
- Marina Bay Street Circuit, Singapore.
- Why
- Hamilton said he chose to stay out to hold track position, but tyre degradation later cost him places.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
It was entirely Lewis’s decision
My call, and I lost us valuable points. I'll try and make up for it in the next one.
A painful lesson today, but I take full responsibility for the decisions I made.
Honestly, it's a bit of a shame because he's losing a podium.
Ferrari called Hamilton and Leclerc into the pits under a virtual safety car, but Hamilton missed the entry and chose to stay out.
Hamilton fell from third to sixth as three rivals on fresher tyres passed him.
Hamilton apologized to Ferrari and said he took full responsibility for his decisions.
Vasseur said Hamilton’s choice cost him a podium chance.
- Hamilton's finish
- Sixth
- Hamilton's position before the final 12 laps
- Third
- Leclerc's finish
- Second
- Race winner
- Max Verstappen
- Hamilton's stint after staying out
- 44 laps on one set of soft tyres
Sources
Related news
Verstappen wins Singapore GP as Antonelli moves closer to F1 title
McLaren tells Norris and Piastri to put team first after Singapore crash
Wallace, Bowman and Byron uninjured after major Charlotte NASCAR crash
Kostecki and Hazelwood win chaotic 2026 Bathurst 1000 for DJR
Verstappen wins Singapore Grand Prix for first time
Gasly questions stewards’ decision not to penalise Norris for Piastri collision
Bezzecchi wins Indonesian GP as Martin retakes MotoGP championship lead
Antonelli nears the title as pundits consider pressure on championship leader
Wolff rejects claims Mercedes is favouring Antonelli over Russell
Verstappen wins rain-delayed Singapore Sprint after Russell crashes
Verstappen takes Singapore GP pole after winning sprint
