‘Hurts when I lose points for the team’ – Lewis Hamilton reflects on Singapore strategy mistake ahead of 2026 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton has reflected on how his strategy error last time out in Singapore cost himself and Ferrari a podium, and that lessons have been learnt ahead of this weekend’s United States Grand Prix.

The seven-time World Champion was on course to finish third in the previous race and secure a double podium for Ferrari behind team mate, Charles Leclerc.

But the Briton failed to pit under a Virtual Safety Car for fresh tyres, a decision made by Hamilton, which meant he ultimately slipped down to sixth at the chequered flag.

During Thursday’s media day in Austin, Hamilton was asked to reflect on the decision having claimed that an alternative tyre strategy from the outset was his best chance of beating eventual race winner, Max Verstappen.

“I’m always looking at ways to win. I’m always looking at doing potentially something different and I wanted to be on different strategy to Charles, not where we just follow each other,” said Hamilton.

“We assumed Max would be potentially quicker and the strategy [simulation] showed us finishing P2 and P3. That’s not enough for me, I wanted to have options.

He added: “In a split second decision I decided to stay out [during the VSC]. As soon as I was alongside the pit lane I knew it was probably the wrong decision but owned up to it, took responsibility for it and you move on.

“We’ve had good conversations in the background of how we can do better together, how we can collaborate better, but I think nothing’s changed in terms of how well we work together in the background.

“I truly believe my job, rather than to follow suit always, is to continuously challenge the team, myself included. Just constantly challenge the norms and that’s ultimately how I’ve got to where I am, and I will not shy away from that.

“Sometimes it doesn’t go well, and that was one of those, but you live to fight another day and we win and we lose as a team, so we carry the weight and the cost together.

“It definitely hurts when I lose points for the team, it’s not something I do very often, but I’ll double the efforts to make sure that doesn’t happen again.”

Ferrari enjoyed one of their strongest weekends this season in Singapore in terms of pace, with the Scuderia having gradually fallen away as Mercedes’ closest challengers over recent rounds.

Hamilton believes there is no reason to suspect that Ferrari will have closed the deficit any further this weekend, despite a small upgrade.

“I think if you look at the rise and different performances through the year, Mercedes were leading for a second, then McLaren stepped up and now you see Red Bull kind of dominating in the last couple of races,” he said.

“I don’t really see why that would potentially change but I would imagine it’s close between us all. I hope if we can get the car in the right place, hopefully we can be there or thereabouts.”