P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff admitted the team got the strategy wrong for Lewis Hamilton in the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix.
Mercedes took the gamble to start Lewis Hamilton on Softs at the Singapore GP, expecting early overtaking opportunities. However, this strategy backfired as Hamilton struggled with tire degradation, losing positions and finishing in sixth place. Team principal Wolff acknowledged the mistake in race strategy, admitting they misjudged the conditions. Hamilton’s rivals, including George Russell, Oscar Piastri, and Charles Leclerc, capitalized on starting on medium tires, outperforming the struggling Mercedes. The team’s recent performance decline after the summer break has been disappointing, with Mercedes failing to secure a win since August. Despite starting strong, Mercedes has faced challenges on hot and traction-demanding tracks, highlighting areas for improvement.