Oct.14 (GMM) Jean Alesi says Lewis Hamilton’s decision to ignore Ferrari’s strategy call in Singapore was “bound to happen” after months of tension over the team’s decisions.
Hamilton stayed out when Ferrari wanted him to pit – a call he later admitted cost him a potential podium.
“It’s a shame Hamilton didn’t listen to the pitwall,” Alesi wrote in Corriere della Sera.
“Something like this was bound to happen, considering Lewis has been complaining for a while now, questioning the team’s work.”
Fellow former Ferrari driver Rene Arnoux was more sympathetic to Hamilton’s reasoning.
“The team made a mistake at Silverstone and Hungary, so this time he preferred to make the decision himself,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“He later apologised, but it was a shame.”
Arnoux believes Ferrari’s bigger problem is the frequency of its strategic errors.
“The fundamental problem is that far more mistakes are being made in Maranello than at the other teams,” said the 78-year-old.
“This year Ferrari has a good car, but they have lost many points due to poor strategies.”
Meanwhile, former Ferrari engineer Luigi Mazzola defended Charles Leclerc against suggestions that even Max Verstappen would achieve substantially more with the SF-26.
“In my opinion, Verstappen wouldn’t perform any better than Leclerc at the wheel of this Ferrari,” Mazzola told Sky Italia.
“With the right car, the Monegasque driver is certainly capable of winning races.”
Alesi also saw encouragement in Ferrari’s Singapore pace.
“The SF-26 was competitive in Singapore right from Friday, which reassures the fans as we look ahead to next year,” said the Frenchman.
“I think the development work is progressing in the right direction.”
Meanwhile Arnoux believes Kimi Antonelli is handling the final stages of his championship campaign correctly.
“He’s a mature and calm person, and I’m sure he’ll keep a clear head,” he said.
“In recent races, he’s focused on the championship, avoiding unnecessary risks. He must continue like this.”
Arnoux added that Antonelli has maintained his form even as Mercedes lost its earlier dominance.
“He’s now the undisputed leader of Mercedes, while George Russell has become a second driver,” he said.
“Last year wasn’t a good one, but Kimi has learned from his mistakes and has improved enormously in a very short time.”
There are motorsport events, and then there is the Indianapolis 500, the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Next year marks Grand Prix Tours' 42nd Indianapolis 500 tour and our decades of experience and local connections provide exclusive access that few fans ever enjoy, including police escorts on race day, a Dallara IndyCar Factory tour, Gasoline Alley and Legends Day, the Driver Introduction Ceremony, and a private dinner with former Indy driver Derek Daly. Combined with excellent hotel accommodations, seamless event planning, and Grand Prix Tours' signature service, this is far more than a race weekend; it's a once-in-a-lifetime motorsport experience. With tour spaces limited each year, we encourage you to reserve your place early for the 111th Indianapolis 500.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Formula 1 at its most iconic with an unforgettable trip to the 2027 Grand Prix de Monaco. Feel the excitement as the world’s best drivers race through the legendary streets of Monte Carlo, surrounded by superyachts, Mediterranean views, and the unmistakable glamour of Monaco. From incredible race viewing to carefully selected accommodations, Grand Prix Tours brings you closer to the action at one of the most prestigious and spectacular events in all of motorsport.
SHOW PACKAGES
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the ultimate test of speed, strategy, and endurance. Watch the world's top manufacturers battle for 24 nonstop hours in one of motorsport's most prestigious events. With Grand Prix Tours handling your accommodations, transfers, and ticket options, all that's left is to experience this unforgettable bucket-list race.
SHOW PACKAGES
Feel the roar of Formula 1 at its spiritual home. Silverstone is one of the fastest and most demanding circuits in the world, where brave overtakes, lightning-fast direction changes, and flat-out commitment separate the best from the rest. Combined with the electric atmosphere created by hundreds of thousands of passionate fans, the British Grand Prix delivers a race weekend unlike any other.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience the thrill of the Canadian Grand Prix with Grand Prix Tours! Feel the excitement of Formula 1 as the world's best drivers battle it out on Montreal's iconic Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. Explore the vibrant city, enjoy unforgettable race weekend experiences, and soak up the electric atmosphere. Make your Canadian Grand Prix getaway one to remember with our exclusive travel packages. Secure your spot today!
SHOW PACKAGES