Hamilton takes blame for Singapore tyre gamble: 'It was my choice, I got that wrong'
Photo: Race Pictures
Ben Hunt is an award-winning motorsport journalist with over two decades of experience in Formula 1 and international media. As a former editor-in-chief and bestselling author, he delivers in-depth analysis and strategic insight from the highest level of the sport.
Lewis Hamilton held his hands up after a frustrating end to Singapore Sprint Qualifying, admitting that his decision to run an alternative tyre plan in the final shootout was a mistake that severely compromised his performance.
The Ferrari driver had looked competitive across the opening two phases of the session, but his challenge unraveled in SQ3 as severe handling issues left him struggling for rear traction when it mattered most.
Reflecting on where the pace slipped away in the decisive session, Hamilton acknowledged that the strategic direction had come directly from him.
"It was looking good in SQ1 and SQ2, and then I don't really know where it went away," Hamilton explained. "We did a slightly different run plan to the others. It was my choice, and I think I got that wrong."
Once out on track for his final effort, the seven-time World Champion found the car nearly impossible to lean on as the tyres failed to provide the necessary rear stability around the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
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"Ultimately, the car was very oversteery on that lap," he said. "I don't know if the rears were not ready or if they were overheating. It was difficult to say, but it was very, very snappy, very oversteery, and it just wasn't a good lap overall."
The sharp contrast between the mandatory medium compound used in the earlier segments and the soft tyre deployed in SQ3 left Hamilton searching for answers, having felt far more comfortable earlier in the evening.
"On the mediums it was good. Yeah, just much different on the softs," Hamilton noted. "There was a loss of grip, but only on the front, and then none at the rear. The balance... ultimately, just... yeah.
"Obviously, we had the pace in the first two sessions and then all of a sudden I just couldn't pull. I didn't have the grip on the rear for some reason on that last lap, so it is what it is."
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