Lewis Hamilton’s 2024 Formula 1 season has been challenging, but Mercedes’ strategy at the Singapore Grand Prix has intensified frustration for the seven-time world champion and his fans.

Hamilton’s race was hampered by what many view as a questionable decision to start him on worn soft tires, raising concerns about the team’s internal decision-making and fueling speculation that Mercedes may be favoring teammate George Russell.

After qualifying in third place, Hamilton was expected to challenge rivals like Max Verstappen and Lando Norris at the front of the pack.

However, Mercedes’ decision to start him on scrubbed soft tires—while most drivers opted for medium tires—left fans and analysts perplexed. The tire choice seemed illogical, especially given Hamilton’s strong qualifying record, where the higher qualifier typically receives the better strategy.

Speculation of Internal Bias

The move has reignited rumors of internal bias at Mercedes, with some speculating that the team is prioritizing Russell or subtly preparing for Hamilton’s rumored switch to Ferrari in 2025. Despite Hamilton’s dissatisfaction, the strategy appeared to favor Russell, who maintained his fourth-place position while Hamilton dropped to sixth. Fans have been quick to question whether Mercedes is intentionally undermining Hamilton in favor of their younger driver.

The decision to start Hamilton on soft tires was deemed a gamble that ultimately backfired. Mercedes’ technical director, James Allison, admitted after the race that starting Hamilton on softs was a mistake. The team’s initial thinking was to use the soft tires to gain early positions, but once the plan was set in motion, switching to a two-stop strategy was no longer feasible.

Hamilton, the only driver in the top 15 to start on soft tires, was left visibly frustrated as the race unfolded. Despite a strong start, the rapid tire degradation on Singapore’s demanding street circuit forced an early pit stop on lap 17, putting Hamilton at a disadvantage for the remainder of the race. “I fought to start on mediums,” Hamilton said on the team radio, expressing his frustration with the strategy.

Fan Reactions and Ferrari Rumors

Hamilton’s fans have voiced their displeasure online, with many questioning the team’s decisions and the growing divide between the driver and Mercedes. “We knew starting on soft tires was a bold and risky decision,” Hamilton later explained in an Instagram post, “but one that could have given us an advantage early on. We misjudged what others might do.”

While Hamilton downplayed conspiracy theories about favoritism within the team, tensions are undeniable. With rumors swirling about Hamilton’s potential move to Ferrari in 2025, some see this as the beginning of the end for his long and successful tenure at Mercedes, which started in 2013. Despite their dominance over the past decade, the relationship between Hamilton and the team appears to be strained.

In the wake of the Singapore GP, fans have been left disillusioned by what they see as a team that has lost its strategic edge. Mercedes, once hailed for its flawless decision-making and dominance, now faces scrutiny over its handling of the most decorated driver in the sport’s history.

Looking Ahead

As Hamilton prepares for the upcoming race in Austin, he remains focused on finishing the season strong. “Make no mistake, things are cool with the team,” Hamilton reassured his fans, “we’re not shying away from tough discussions and challenges.” However, many are wondering whether these “tough discussions” will be enough to fix the underlying issues at Mercedes before his potential move to Ferrari.

With Mercedes currently sitting fourth in the Constructors’ Championship and struggling with recent car upgrades, the Austin race could provide more clarity on the team’s future. Both Hamilton and Russell have expressed dissatisfaction with the car’s performance, but with new upgrades on the horizon, all eyes are on whether Mercedes can reclaim its once-dominant form.

For now, Hamilton’s sixth-place finish in Singapore serves as a harsh reminder of how far the team has fallen from its glory days. Fans are eagerly anticipating whether Hamilton will see out his career at Mercedes or if the next chapter in his career will take place at Ferrari in 2025.