P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes has revealed that a faster-than-expected pace in F1’s Singapore Grand Prix contributed to its choice to put Lewis Hamilton on Soft tyres backfiring.
Lewis Hamilton led a Mercedes front row lock-out at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, but he was unhappy when a strategic error caused him to fall three places to sixth. Hamilton’s race took a turn for the worse as he was the only driver in the top 10 on the red-walled tires, leaving him vulnerable at the end. Despite Hamilton’s warnings, Mercedes decided to divide strategies with George Russell, resulting in a compromised race for Hamilton. Mercedes’ Technical Director confirmed that starting on Soft tires was a mistake, adding that they should have gone with Mediums like others did. Hamilton struggled due to poor tire degradation and had to pit early, ultimately ruining his race in what Allison described as a clear mistake. Mercedes considered switching Hamilton to Medium tires later in the race, but ultimately decided against it, as they believed it would not significantly improve his result.
