Lewis Hamilton has backtracked on his criticism of Mercedes in the wake of the Singapore Grand Prix.
After qualifying an impressive third behind title contenders Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, Mercedes made the surprise decision to start Hamilton on the faster but less durable soft tyres. It was hoped the extra grip at the start of the race would help him apply pressure to the front two.
However, after the seven-time world champion failed to make early inroads, it became quickly obvious that the strategy would not work, with Hamilton dropping to sixth by the finish. Teammate George Russell, who started on mediums like the rest of the frontrunners, came home fourth.
The 39-year-old, who will leave for Ferrari at the end of the season, didn’t hold back in his criticism of the team for the decision. Speaking at a sponsors’ event after the race, Hamilton admitted he had been left “perplexed” and “so angry” after seeing the gamble fail to pay off.
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Mercedes have themselves admitted they got it wrong, with technical director James Allison calling it a “clear mistake”. And now Hamilton has rowed back on his criticism of the team in a supportive post on Instagram, which read: “I know there has been a lot of chat around the last one and our strategy in Singapore which just didn't work. When that happens, it’s naturally to be frustrated and easy for me to speak out in frustration.
“We knew starting on the soft tyre was bold and risky move but one that could give us an advantage and ultimately I agreed with that recommendation. We also miscalculated what others might do.”
Hamilton added: “Make no mistake though, things are cool with the team. As with all successful partnerships, you have to have some lows to have the highs.
YOUR TURN! What do you think about Hamilton's post? Tell us in the comments section.
“We're not afraid of those tricky conversations and challenging moments which is why we have achieved so much together. We will support each other to the very end. It's all love.”
The loving post came as a surprise to some F1 fans while others praised the British driver. One posted on X: “LH is just too good a leader which is one of the key reasons for his success with Mercedes in F1.”
A second added: “He doesn't want his situation to deteriorate, I can understand.” Another said: “Ever the team player in the end.”
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