Lewis Hamilton owned up to a major strategy blunder at the Singapore Grand Prix that left him frustrated but honest in the aftermath. The seven-time world champion admitted he ignored a call from Mercedes to pit during the safety car period late in the race, a decision that ultimately cost him a podium finish. Instead of pointing fingers at his team, Hamilton took full responsibility, acknowledging the call was his own and apologizing to the crew for the lost points.

More F1 news: Leclerc Demands Ferrari Steps Up After Singapore Heartbreak

The situation unfolded in the closing stages when a VSC was triggered after Lance Stroll's car stopped on track. Mercedes called both Lewis Hamilton and his teammate George Russell to pit, and while Russell obliged, Hamilton chose to stay out. He later explained he'd missed the pit entry, then decided to try holding track position to the end. That gamble backfired spectacularly. Over the final laps, Hamilton's tires went completely off, and he dropped three places to finish sixth, losing what should have been a podium.

More F1 news: Hamilton and Leclerc's Singapore Showdown: How They Finished at Marina Bay

Hamilton's pre-race strategy had already been aggressive, starting on the medium tire to attempt a one-stop strategy. He felt the medium didn't perform as well as expected, though he admitted his pace improved during the second stint. The problem was he couldn't make up the ground he needed, and when the VSC opportunity presented itself, he fumbled the execution. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Kimi Antonelli both capitalized on the pit window, making smart calls that worked out.

More F1 news: Ferrari's Singapore Strategy Pays Off as Leclerc Secures Second Place Podium

Team principal Fred Vasseur confirmed Mercedes had called Hamilton in, highlighting that the driver would've emerged in podium position had he pitted. The Frenchman described it as a shame, noting Hamilton was essentially giving up a second or third place finish. Rather than avoid the fallout, Hamilton issued a statement taking ownership and promising to bounce back at the next race. It's a refreshing moment of accountability in modern Formula 1, though it won't ease the sting of a missed opportunity at Marina Bay.

Shop the collection: Charles Leclerc merch  •  Lewis Hamilton merch  •  George Russell merch  •  Kimi Antonelli merch  •  Lance Stroll merch  •  Scuderia Ferrari merch  •  Mercedes-AMG merch  •  Aston Martin merch