Lewis Hamilton ignores Ferrari tactics, Jean Alesi: “Doesn’t surprise me”

Seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton squandered his chances of a podium finish at the Singapore Grand Prix. The 41-year-old Englishman disregarded instructions from the Ferrari pit wall during the Singapore GP. A mistake, as he himself admitted afterwards.

And this is what happened at the night-time Grand Prix: during a virtual safety car period at the Singapore Grand Prix, Ferrari did the only strategically correct thing and immediately called both drivers into the pits for fresh tyres.

The Italians’ plan: with fresh tyres, perhaps make life difficult for leader Max Verstappen, but certainly secure second and third places for Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.

But the Briton went his own way during the Singapore night race. He ignored Ferrari’s instructions and stayed on the track. He believed his tyres were in such consistent condition that he could see out the race without another stop.

The result: with his tyres deteriorating, the seven-time world champion became easy prey for Antonelli, Norris and Piastri, who all finished ahead of him; in the end, the Briton could only manage P6.

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After the race, Hamilton admitted his mistake and immediately apologised to the team.

Long-serving Formula 1 driver Jean Alesi (201 Grands Prix, fourth in the World Championship in 1996 and 1997) is not surprised by the Ferrari superstar’s stubbornness. Speaking to colleagues at the *Corriere della Sera* in his review of the Singapore Grand Prix, the 62-year-old Frenchman said: “It’s a shame that Hamilton didn’t listen to the pit crew. But I’m not surprised. Something like this was bound to happen, given that Lewis has been complaining for a long time and questioning the team’s work.”

Jean Alesi

Foto: XPB

Alesi praises his former employer, Ferrari: “I like exciting Grands Prix, especially when they’re brought to life by Ferrari. The SF-26 race car was already competitive in Singapore on Friday, which should reassure the fans for next year. It seems to me that development at Ferrari is heading in the right direction.”