Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur has fiercely defended his squad following the controversial tyre strategy that cost Lewis Hamilton a crucial podium finish at the Singapore Grand Prix. The seven-time world champion opted for a high-risk, single-stop strategy that ultimately unraveled under intense pressure from rival competitors on fresher rubber.
The critical juncture arrived on Lap 18 when the team called the British driver into the pits to shed his degrading Medium tyres, bolting on the Soft compound designed to carry him all the way to the checkered flag. However, managing tyre wear on the demanding street circuit proved to be an uphill battle as the race progressed into the night.
Hamilton actively declined the team's initial suggestion to pit under the Virtual Safety Car triggered by Lance Stroll, while also pushing back against a potential second stop later in the race. Despite his efforts to defend track position, both Lando Norris and teammate Charles Leclerc were rapidly closing the gap with superior late-race pace.
Addressing historical criticisms leveled against the Maranello outfit's strategic execution, Vasseur was quick to deflect blame away from the pit wall. He highlighted Hamilton's immediate radio remorse, where the veteran driver shouldered the responsibility for overriding the team's tactical directives during the heat of the race.
"We asked him to pit," Vasseur stated firmly regarding the incident. "Don't blame the team, guys. Clearly on the radio he said, 'I apologise, I let you down. That it was my call'. He decided not to stop behind the VSC, but he would have been P2, P3."
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