In the round-up: Lewis Hamilton says he “ultimately agreed” to fit soft tyres for his opening stint in Singapore last weekend
In brief
Hamilton walks back strategy criticism
After being reported to have made comments critical of Mercedes’ strategy in last weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix at an event following the race, Lewis Hamilton took to social media to admit he had ‘spoken out in frustration’ after starting on soft tyres failed to pay off for him.
“I know there has been a lot of chat around the last [race] and our strategy in Singapore which just didn’t work,” Hamilton posted. “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. As with all successful partnerships, you have to have some lows to have the highs. We’re not afraid of those tricky conversations and challenging moments which is why we have achieved so much together.”
Tsunoda demo run ends in flames
A demonstration run of a Red Bull RB8 by Yuki Tsunoda ended abruptly yesterday when the car appeared to catch fire after he performed as series of doughnuts as part of the show.
Tsunoda drove the 2012 Red Bull in Taiwan’s Taichung city as part of a Red Bull promotional event. Video footage posted by Taiwan’s TVBS News shows Red Bull mechanics reacting quickly to extinguish the flames.
Wharton wins third FREC race
James Wharton won his third 2024 Formula Regional European Championship race of the season in the opening race of the weekend in Barcelona.
The former Ferrari academy driver converted pole into victory in race one, with current Ferrari junior Tuukka Taponen passing fellow Ferrari junior Rafael Camara to take second place.
The result clinched the teams’ championship in the series for Prema. The second race of the weekend takes place today.
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Links
Hamilton: I’ve struggled with depression from a very early age (Times)
”When I was in my twenties I had some really difficult phases. I mean, I’ve struggled with mental health through my life, depression from a very early age when I was, like, 13. I think it was the pressure of the racing and struggling at school. The bullying. I had no one to talk to. spoke to one woman, years ago, but that wasn’t really helpful. I would like to find someone today.”
Ogier: We’ve been told by the top of FIA to shut our mouths (Dirtfish)
”We’ve been told that we shouldn’t, at the moment… it’s not a fantastic reaction to do what I do. It’s nothing personal against you (the media), it’s nothing personal against the fans – I’m sorry about it, but we have very little tools we can use. Today I don’t feel I want to talk and I’m sorry, like I say, for all of the people who deserve better than that. But we’ve been told from the top of the FIA that we need to shut our mouths, so it’s a bit sad.”
Formula One star Charles Leclerc enjoys round of golf at famous Scottish course (Edinburgh Live)
‘Formula 1 racing driver Charles Leclerc was pictured in a popular seaside Scottish town during a break from circuit. The 26-year-old Monaco-born star swapped the cockpit of his Ferrari for a spot of golf in St Andrews on Friday as he was spotted by fans despite wearing a beanie hat and golfing attire.’
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