Hamilton reins in Singapore criticism: ‘Things are cool with the team'

All is well between Lewis Hamilton and the Mercedes team assured the Briton in a post on social media following his criticism of his outfit's strategy call in last weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix.

Hamilton, who qualified a strong third at Marina Bay only to finish the race sixth, two positions behind teammate George Russell, admitted after the event to have been “perplexed” by Mercedes’ decision to offset its drivers’ strategies.

While Russell followed the general trend with a medium-to-hard game plan, Hamilton’s approach called for a start on the soft tyre in a bid to provide the seven-time world champion with an early chance to overhaul front-row men Lando Norris and Max Verstappen.

But the ploy failed miserably, with Hamilton struggling to hold his own during his first stint and then falling down the order after his switch to the hard rubber.

The Briton’s frustration was palpable throughout the 62-lap race, and he later revealed that he had been against the offset strategy from the outset, which led to speculation that a proper rift had set in between the driver and his team.

• Read also: Mercedes details failed Singapore GP strategy call for Hamilton

But on Saturday, Hamilton took to Instagram to walk back his criticism and ensure that all is well within the Brackley squad’s camp.

“I know there has been a lot of chat around the last [race] and our strategy in Singapore which just didn’t work,” the future Ferrari charger wrote. “When that happens, it’s natural to be frustrated and easy for me to speak out in that frustration.

“We knew starting on soft tyres was a bold and risky move but one that could give us an advantage at the start and I ultimately agreed with that recommendation. We also miscalculated what others might do.

“Make no mistake though, things are cool with the team.”

Hamilton acknowledged that every relationship experiences its ups and downs, and the Singapore GP weekend was simply one of the inevitable lows.

However, he emphasized that both he and the team remain fully committed to giving their best in the upcoming races.

“As with all successful partnerships, you have to have some lows to have the highs,” he added.

“We’re not afraid of those tricky conversations and challenging moments which is why we have achieved so much together.”

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