Lewis Hamilton retracts social media post after Singapore Grand Prix furore
Lewis Hamilton insists “everything is fine” with Mercedes after he expressed frustration with the race strategy at the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix last weekend.
Mercedes were in a strong position to secure solid points and potentially even challenge for a podium finish in Singapore after Hamilton and George Russell were third and fourth fastest respectively.
But Hamilton’s race was marred by an early pit stop due to the soft tyres he started on.
The seven-time world champion vented his frustration over the team radio, saying after the race that he was “confused” as to why Mercedes had given him the soft tyres to start on.
Hamilton went on to admit he was “very angry” in his post-race press conference, leading to more questions about his relationship with the team as he prepares to leave in a few months.
The 39-year-old has just six races left to finish his stint as a Mercedes driver before moving to Ferrari in the new year.
But Hamilton has moved to quell any talk of a rift with Mercedes following the Singapore Grand Prix.
The British racing superstar has issued a statement on social media in which he appears to backtrack on his initial frustration with the team.
“Hi everyone, getting ready for the weekend to focus on training for the next race,” his post began.
“I know there has been a lot of discussion around our previous strategy in Singapore which didn’t work.
“When that happens, it’s natural to feel frustrated and it’s easy to express that frustration.
“We knew that starting on the soft tyre was a bold and risky move but it could have given us an advantage from the start and I agreed with that recommendation in the end.
“We also miscalculated what others might do.
“But don’t get me wrong, it’s all good for the team.
“Like any successful partnership, you have to go through the ups and downs to get to the success.
“We’re not afraid of the difficult conversations and the challenging moments, that’s why we’ve achieved so much together.
“We’ll support each other until the end. It’s all love. See you in Austin.”