Hamilton takes responsibility for sixth-place Singapore finish

Lewis Hamilton finished sixth at the Singapore Grand Prix after staying out during a lap-39 virtual safety car, a decision the Ferrari driver later said was his and for which he accepted responsibility. His teammate Charles Leclerc pitted for fresh tyres and finished second. Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur said the team called both drivers into the pits during the VSC. Hamilton’s account was that he missed the pit entry and then chose to remain on track, trying to preserve his position to the finish. He apologized over team radio after the race, saying the strategy was his call and that he had cost the team valuable points. Hamilton stayed on the soft tyres he had fitted earlier and completed a 44-lap stint on that set. As their performance declined, Leclerc passed him, followed by Kimi Antonelli, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Hamilton crossed the line sixth, almost 46 seconds behind Leclerc, according to race accounts. The stop offered Ferrari an opportunity to change tyres under the VSC while losing less time than during green-flag racing. Vasseur said the team had expected to finish second and third if both cars stopped. Leclerc took the stop, while Hamilton continued.