Vasseur Dismisses Safety Concerns as Hamilton Struggles with Brake Failure in Singapore GP
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has confirmed that Lewis Hamilton's Singapore Grand Prix performance was severely impacted from the early stages of the race due to a significant brake malfunction. This issue compelled the driver to employ a lift-and-coast strategy for the majority of the event. Despite these substantial challenges, the seven-time world champion remarkably managed to record the fastest lap of the Sunday race.
Vasseur detailed the onset of the brake problem, stating it emerged within the second or third lap, necessitating a constant adjustment to braking points, which posed a considerable difficulty for Hamilton. He emphasized that while Hamilton showcased strong pace during brief periods when he could push, the compromised state of the brakes meant he spent most of the race on the defensive.
The Frenchman acknowledged the team's surprise at the brake failure, attributing it to the intense heat and the congested conditions of the Marina Bay Street Circuit. Such environmental factors, particularly when cars are closely following one another, can indeed exacerbate brake-related issues. Despite the unexpected nature of the malfunction, Vasseur suggested that the demanding circuit environment played a critical role.
Hamilton's race was further complicated by a five-second penalty for exceeding track limits, a direct consequence of his inability to control the car effectively due to the brake problem. Rival driver Fernando Alonso voiced his apprehension regarding the safety of Hamilton's vehicle under such circumstances. However, Vasseur reassured that the team’s strategy of adjusting Hamilton’s pace ensured the driver's safety, albeit at the cost of competitive performance. He light-heartedly remarked that while safety was paramount, achieving it by driving significantly slower was not the ultimate objective.
The fastest lap achieved by Hamilton, set on soft tires towards the end of the race, was considered unrepresentative by Vasseur. He highlighted that this lap was not indicative of the car's true potential or the race conditions under which Hamilton had been struggling. The team principal noted that while Hamilton's raw speed was evident when not managing the brake issue, the overall race was a frustrating experience due to the constant need for caution.
Ultimately, after battling significant technical difficulties and incurring a time penalty, Lewis Hamilton concluded his Singapore Grand Prix campaign in eighth position, earning four championship points.