Hamilton defends Mercedes for bold strategy at the Singapore Grand Prix

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton defended Mercedes for opting for a bold strategy at the Singapore Grand Prix, claiming that he was part of decision-making process.

Lewis Hamilton was given soft tyres for the start of the Singapore Grand Prix, breaking the trend of the drivers around him who took the medium compound for the first stint.

The seven-time world champion ultimately took the chequered flag in sixth position, having not only lost a place to his team-mate George Russell, but also McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who made up ground late on after extending their first stints.

Assessing the strategy, Mercedes Technical Director James Allison said the team wanted to gain places with the grip advantage, but the Briton conceded that it was a “clear mistake” in hindsight.

Reflecting on the Singapore Grand Prix, Hamilton took to Twitter to defend his team for the aggressive strategy.

'I know there has been a lot of chat around the last one and our strategy in Singapore which just didn't work. 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.

The seven-time world champion, who is set to leave Mercedes at the end of the current season to join Ferrari, insisted that he will support the Anglo-German outfit until the very end.

'Make no mistake though, things are cool with the team. As with all successful partnerships, you have to have some lows to have the highs. We're not afraid of those tricky conversations and challenging moments which is why we have achieved so much together. We will support each other to the very end.'