Lewis Hamilton has insisted “things are cool” between him and Mercedes after a poor technique alternative ruined his race on the Singapore Grand Prix.
Hamilton began from third on the grid after a robust qualifying exhibiting however was the one front-runner to start on a comfortable tyre, with all these round him, together with his team-mate George Russell, preferring the extra sturdy medium compound.
The seven-time world champion wanted to pit sooner than his rivals as he struggled to keep up tempo on the comfortable tyres, and the early cease put him into site visitors earlier than he finally completed sixth, two locations behind Russell.
Mercedes took the bizarre step of withdrawing each drivers from their post-race media duties citing “overheating”, which implies – with Components 1 on a near-month lengthy break earlier than america Grand Prix – Hamilton has but to talk to the media in regards to the race.
Nearly per week on from the Singapore GP, Hamilton wrote on Instagram: “I do know there was lots of chat across the final one (race) and our technique in Singapore which simply did not work.
“When that occurs it is pure to be pissed off and simple for me to talk out in that frustration.
“We knew beginning on comfortable tyres was a daring and dangerous transfer however one that might give us a bonus in the beginning and I finally agreed with that suggestion.
“We also miscalculated what others might do.”
Hamilton, who took sole possession of second on F1’s all-time record of grands prix began by driving in his 350th race, is leaving Mercedes on the finish of the season after 12 years with the workforce to hitch Ferrari.
Some onlookers have predicted that the Brit’s relationship with the workforce may change into extra strained as they put together for his departure, however he insists all is properly heading into the ultimate six races of the yr.
He added: “Make no mistake although, issues are cool with the workforce.
“As with all successful partnerships, you have to have some lows to have the highs.
“We’re not afraid of these tough conversations and difficult moments which is why we’ve achieved a lot collectively.
“We will support each other to the very end. It’s all love.”
Simply six races stay in Components 1 2024 and the season resumes with america Grand Prix in Austin from October 18-20, stay on Sky Sports activities F1. Stream each F1 race and extra with a NOW Sports activities Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime