F1

MERCEDES admitted they blundered by starting Lewis Hamilton on soft tyres for the Singapore Grand Prix.Hamilton blasted the team’s strategy after finishing sixth in Sunday’s race at the Marina Bay Street Circuit — despite starting third on the grid.Mercedes technical director James Allison has explained the ‘mistake’ that ruined Lewis Hamilton’s raceCredit: YouTube / MercedesHamilton finished sixth despite qualifying in thirdCredit: GettyHis car struggled with tyre problemsCredit: GettyBritain’s seven-time world champion had been the only driver in the top ten to start with his car on soft rubber.And now Mercedes technical chief James Allison has confessed that their tyre choice for Hamilton was a “clear mistake” which “ruined his race”.Speaking on Mercedes’ official YouTube channel, Allison confessed: “We should not have started on the softs, that was a mistake.“If we could turn back time, we would do what those around us did and select the mediums.READ MORE IN F1“The soft tyre often allows you to get away from the start abruptly and allows you a good chance of jumping a place or two in the opening laps.“We had no real expectation we were going to suffer the sort of  difficulties we then experienced on the soft rubber.“Lewis was left with a car that suffered poor tyre degradation and needed to pit early as a consequence.“It really ruined his race for him. A clear mistake.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOn top of that, both Hamilton and team-mate George Russell, 26,  suffered from “borderline heatstroke” in the humid 30C heat.Russell had lined up fourth on the Singapore grid behind Hamilton but started on the medium compound and finished fourth.Max Verstappen threatens to quit F1 after being forced to do ‘community service’ in bizarre punishment for swearing Hamilton, 39, was left raging over the different strategies, adding: “I was perplexed, it didn’t make sense.“It is hard to describe the range of emotions you feel when we have a difficult race like that. But I was so angry and frustrated.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

LEWIS HAMILTON and team-mate George Russell were both pulled from their planned media duties after “overheating” during the Singapore Grand Prix. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff admitted it was “painful” to see the Silver Arrows place fourth and sixth.Lewis Hamilton suffered from ‘borderline heatstroke’ at the Singapore GPTeam-mate George Russell also missed media duties on medical groundsThe Marina Bay street race is usually the most physically-demanding of the Formula 1 season. owing to Singapore’s heat and humidity.Wolff told how Hamilton, who placed sixth after starting the race from P3, fell ill in the immediate aftermath of the 62-lap race.And Russell, who finished fourth, was heard on team radio in his car during the closing stages saying “it’s like a sauna in here”.The British Mercedes pair didn’t carry out their usual post-race media duties on medical grounds.READ MORE F1 NEWSA spokesperson for the team said: “Unfortunately neither George or Lewis will be attending the media pen this evening as they recover from the exertions of this evening’s race.”Team Principal Wolff told reporters: “They are both suffering from overheating.”But they are fine now. They put themselves in an ice bath and I think that helped a bit.”The race itself had proved a disappointing one for both Hamilton and Russell from the second row.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Mercedes duo were split by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who recovered from ninth on the grid to overtake Hamilton and finish on the lead Mercedes’ tail.On the race, Wolff said: “It was a really painful evening.Lando Norris finally breaks opening lap curse to keep slim hopes of pipping Max Verstappen to F1 world title alive”It’s not about when you look at the positions we are fourth and sixth, that’s not good especially when you are starting third and fourth.””We struggle at the moment with tracks that are hot and are tough on traction. It was here and it was Baku. “But this is no excuse, it’s just at the moment now what we expect from ourselves because if your quickest car is a minute behind the leader it’s just difficult to accept.”The Mercedes’ W15 was not a match on race pace for the two McLarens, which finished first and third.While standings leader Max Verstappen finished second behind title rival Lando Norris with six races remaining. More

DANIEL RICCIARDO choked up tearfully and struggled to speak after finishing last in the Singapore Grand Prix – as it could be his F1 swansong.Red Bull are tipped to replace him next time out in the US on October 21.Memories and emotion were etched on Daniel Ricciardo’s faceAt times he also put on a brave face in the interviewRiccardo ended up 18th and last of the finishers, having qualified in 16thCredit: RexThe Aussie delayed getting out of his car following Sunday’s race – won by McLaren’s Lando Norris.And afterwards Ricciardo explained his “flood of emotions” following his 13 years in F1, which included eight wins from 2011-2021.Mixing long pauses with rueful smiles, Ricciardo pondered the fact he might never again race at this level.He said: “There’s a lot of emotions because I’m aware it could be it.READ MORE TOP STORIES”I think it’s also just exhaustion after the race.”Just like a flood of many emotions and feelings and exhaustion.”Ricciardo was equally emotional about the way he had lingered in his car after a disappointing performance at Marina Bay.He added: “The cockpit is something that I got very, very used to for many years and I just wanted to savour the moment.”Most read in MotorsportIt was a day of testing feelings for the Red Bull aceCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRicciardo’s gamble of starting on soft tyres – in the forlorn hope the safety car would be called out – backfired.In fact, Red Bull even asked him to let team-mate Yuki Tsunoda pass.Watch F1 star Lando Norris drive unique McLaren P1 car round Silverstone – but can you spot why it’s so incredible?The Japanese ace came 12th, with Ricciardo bottom of the 18 finishers.The Perth driver said: “It was a tough race. I think ultimately we just weren’t quite quick enough.”Overall, Tsunoda sits 12th on 22 points, with Ricciardo joint 13th on 12.However, fans rushed to praise him – as a person and as a competitor.One wrote: “I feel sad for Danny Ric. Lovely guy. I will miss him. The sport will miss him.”Another posted: “Thank you Daniel for showing up every weekend with a smile on your faceA third added: “This is really really really emotional… guy was pure magic, hated to see him lose all of that, but man this sport reminds you so often that ‘it is what it is’.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOther verdicts included “Amazing to watch” and “Deserves a proper farewell WTF”.Meanwhile, Norris’ impressive victory further cut Max Verstappen’s Championship lead to 52 points – with seven GPs remaining.Fans reckon it will be a sad day if Riccardio is departing F1Although his cap was bowed, riccardio can go out with his head held highInside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner. More