Lewis Hamilton did not follow Ferrari’s pit wall
Jean Alesi believes Lewis Hamilton’s decision not to follow Ferrari’s pit-wall instruction at the Singapore Grand Prix was not entirely surprising, pointing to the seven-time world champion’s recent concerns about the team. However, the former Ferrari driver remains optimistic about the Scuderia’s direction, arguing that the competitive SF-26 seen at Marina Bay offers encouraging signs for 2027.
“I take full responsibility for what turned out to be the wrong choice.” Lewis Hamilton publicly apologised on social media after deciding not to follow Ferrari’s preferred strategy during the race. The British driver’s admission came after a costly decision that ultimately denied Ferrari the possibility of a double podium. More detail on his explanation can be found in our report on Lewis Hamilton taking responsibility for the Singapore tyre gamble.
Lewis Hamilton had switched to the Soft compound very early in an attempt to move away from the Medium tyre, but he then chose to remain on track and accept the risk of trying to reach the finish on that set. What could potentially have become a double podium for Ferrari instead ended with sixth place for the seven-time Formula 1 world champion.
Lewis Hamilton was unable to resist the recovery of rivals who were running on fresher and more effective tyres. The strategic sequence and Ferrari’s decisions during the race can also be explored through the Ferrari Pit Stop & Strategy Statistics.
Jean Alesi explains why Hamilton’s decision did not surprise him
Jean Alesi, writing in his usual Tuesday analysis for Corriere della Sera, said he was not surprised by Lewis Hamilton’s choice.
“It’s a shame Hamilton didn’t listen to the pit wall,” Jean Alesi wrote. “Something like this was bound to happen when I think that Lewis has been complaining for some time and questioning the team’s work.”
The remarks add another perspective to a Singapore weekend in which Ferrari showed significant competitiveness but ultimately failed to convert its pace into the maximum possible result. The wider performance picture is examined in our analysis of why Singapore may have been one of Ferrari’s strongest weekends of 2026.
Jean Alesi encouraged by Ferrari’s direction for 2027
Despite his criticism of Lewis Hamilton’s decision, Jean Alesi believes Ferrari supporters have reasons to feel reassured about the team’s prospects heading towards 2027.
“I like eventful Grands Prix, especially when Ferrari is the one making them exciting. The SF-26 was competitive in Singapore from Friday onwards, which reassures the fans ahead of next year. It seems to me that the development work is moving in the right direction.”
For Jean Alesi, Ferrari’s underlying competitiveness at Marina Bay therefore matters beyond the missed Singapore result. While Lewis Hamilton’s strategy choice proved costly on race day, the former Ferrari driver sees the SF-26’s performance and development trajectory as positive signs for the Scuderia’s longer-term progress.
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