Lewis Hamilton has sought to ease perceived tension between him and the Mercedes Formula 1 outfit after a disagreement on strategy in the Singapore Grand Prix.
Hamilton started on the soft tyre from third on the grid in Singapore, with his top-10 rivals in front and behind starting on Mediums.
That proved costly for the Mercedes driver as he was unable to make ground from lights out and was forced to pit earlier than his competitors.
A drawn-out second stint saw Hamilton succumb to sixth place and at Kuala Lumpur with Mercedes sponsor Petronas, the British driver said the strategy call “didn’t make sense.”
Hamilton went on to explain he fought the team over the strategy call before the race, but came out second best in that discussion.
Mercedes Technical Director James Allison admitted the team made a “mistake” with Hamilton’s strategy, but in the fractious world of social media, Hamilton thought it best to clear the air.
Writing on his Instagram story, Hamilton said, “I know there has been a lot of chat around the last [race] 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.
“Make no mistake though, things are cool with the team.”
Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes united for final six rounds
The historically successful Hamilton/Mercedes partnership has just six rounds left to run.
After six Drivers’ titles with the Silver Arrows and another powered by the German marque at McLaren, Hamilton will join forces with Ferrari in 2025.
In its final year, the partnership has produced two further GP wins for Hamilton at Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps.
However, since his last GP victory, Mercedes has found itself struggling once again, but Hamilton acknowledged the team’s handling of tough situations is what has helped it be so successful.
“As with all successful partnerships, you have to have some lows to have the highs,” he said.
“We’re not afraid of those tricky conversations and challenging moments which is why we have achieved so much together.”
Hamilton currently lies sixth in the Drivers’ standings with 174 points, 16 behind Carlos Sainz, who will make way for the Briton at Ferrari.
READ MORE: Mercedes reveals why Lewis Hamilton’s Soft tyre F1 strategy in Singapore backfired
