Hamilton misses pit stop during VSC

During the Singapore Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton missed a crucial pit stop after the deployment of the virtual safety car (VSC) on the 39th lap, which led to him losing a podium position. The VSC was triggered when Lance Stroll stopped his Aston Martin, and Ferrari aimed to use the neutralization to bring both of its drivers into the pits.

Ferrari confirms instruction to Hamilton

Fred Vasseur, head of Ferrari, confirmed that both Charles Leclerc and Hamilton were instructed to stop during the VSC. However, spectators watching Hamilton’s on-board camera claimed they did not hear any message telling him to return to the pits, raising questions about the communication.

On-board camera feed had disruptions

According to The Race, Ferrari maintains that Hamilton received the same instruction as Leclerc, around turn 16. However, shortly after the VSC deployment, the video and audio feed from Hamilton’s on-board camera experienced disruptions, leading to missing radio communications and warnings that were not broadcasted on television.

Hamilton confirms he was told to pit

Hamilton confirmed after the race that Ferrari had asked him to return to the pits. Due to a health issue, he conveyed his explanations through Ferrari’s press service, stating that he missed the pit entry under the VSC and decided to continue on track in an attempt to maintain his position.

Hamilton regrets lost positions

Hamilton admitted that his decision to stay on track led to tire degradation and the loss of three positions, resulting in a sixth-place finish. He expressed regret over the points lost for Ferrari and accepted full responsibility for the mistake, acknowledging that not all decisions work out and that he would continue to fight in future races.

Focus shifts to why Hamilton missed the pit

While Ferrari’s version of events is supported by Hamilton’s own statements, the question now centers on why he was unable to execute the pit stop in time. The exact cause of the radio disruptions remains unclear, but the incident highlights a critical error that cost Hamilton a podium in the challenging streets of Marina Bay.