Toto Wolff explains why Mercedes decided to pit Lewis Hamilton early, but admits it was “the wrong decision that we all took together jointly”.
Lewis Hamilton started the Singapore Grand Prix from P3, and the team decided to put his on Soft tyres.
It meant that he had to pit a lot earlier than his rivals, and ultimately this decision cost him several places, as he finished the race in P6.
After the race, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff admitted the strategy was “the wrong decision”.
“I think we’ve read the race wrong,” the Austrian said.
“We took a decision based on historic Singapore races where it’s basically a procession like Monaco, and that the soft tyre would give him an opportunity at the start as pretty much the only overtaking opportunity.
“That was the wrong decision that we all took together jointly. Felt like a good offset, but with the rear tyre deg that we had, there was just one way, and that was backwards.
“So I think there was a logic behind it, but obviously was contrary of what we should have decided.
“But it doesn’t hide away from the fact that when a car is too slow, you’re too slow. Maybe your position ahead or behind, that doesn’t change anything.”
Ultimately, Toto admits the W15 just wasn’t fast enough to challenge for top positions today.
“It was a really painful, painful evening. It’s not about when you look at the positions. You know, fourth and sixth. That’s not good, especially when you’re starting second and third.
“The car is just….we struggle at the moment with tracks that are hot and tough on traction. It was here, it was Baku, but this is no excuse.
“I think it’s just at the moment not what we expect from ourselves, because if your quickest car is a minute behind the leader it’s just difficult to accept,” Wolff concluded.
