F1 Grand Prix of Singapore: Lewis Hamilton was fighting extreme frustration in Singapore (Image: Getty) The seven-time world champion was left feeling demoralized after losing out to teammate George Russell due to an unfavorable Mercedes strategy call. Hamilton had qualified an impressive third for the race and finished ahead of Russell on Saturday for just the fifth time this year. Mercedes decided to go aggressive from the start, putting the Brit on soft compound tyres while the rest of the field was lined up on mediums.
In the early stages of the race, Hamilton was supposed to try to pass second-placed Max Verstappen, but too much wheelspin off the line prevented the 39-year-old from challenging his former title rival. Mercedes then moved Hamilton into the hard tire pit area with the intention of letting him finish the race as his soft compound tires began to show signs of weakness. This ultimately resulted in Russell, Oscar Piastri, and Charles Leclerc undermining him.
Hamilton resorted to the radio to express his annoyance after Russell passed his teammate on the track. He sighed in a melancholy tone, “There are moments when I wonder why I do this.” The British national also voiced grievances to race engineer Peter Bonnington on several occasions. This season, Hamilton has occasionally been disappointed by Toto Wolff’s team (Image: Getty) SUBSCRIBE By signing up, you allow us to better understand you and deliver material in ways that you have approved to. Advertising from us and other parties may be included, depending on what we understand. Unsubscribing is possible at any time. Take a look at our privacy statement.
As soon as the red light appeared, team manager Toto Wolff had a message for his driver. He apologized on the air, saying, “Yeah, Lewis. “Obviously, we misread the race, but it wouldn’t have mattered because we provided you a car that wasn’t good enough today. We simply moved slowly today.” The Mercedes team principal should take note of Hamilton’s awful radio chats as they approach their final six races together before the seasoned British driver moves to Ferrari for the winter.
The Brit has been left frustrated on many times this season. The No.44 crew have struggled to get their set-ups straight for qualifying, sometimes leaving Hamilton with too much to do on race day. Mercedes has frequently chosen different tactics on these occasions, which have only made the weekend more agonizing. Mercedes has little left to fight for over the next six races as Ferrari pulls away from McLaren and Red Bull at the top of the Constructors’ Championship. However, Wolff and Hamilton will be eager to have some successful races before their 12-year partnership comes to an end.
