Lewis Hamilton delivered a strong performance in the 2026 Singapore Sprint, moving up from sixth on the grid to finish second. His impressive start and strategic approach to the challenging wet conditions were key factors in his climb through the field.
Starting from P6, Hamilton executed what he described as a “mega start” on the damp track, overtaking both McLaren drivers and his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc early in the race. The early retirement of George Russell elevated Hamilton to second place, behind Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing. Throughout the Sprint, Hamilton managed his tyres carefully, aware that overtaking would be difficult in the wet conditions, and he was able to close the gap to Verstappen without making a pass.
Hamilton expressed confidence in Ferrari’s car, highlighting the strong start and the team’s wet-weather strategy as positive signs. He also mentioned the importance of improving qualifying performance to better challenge the likes of Mercedes and Red Bull in the main race. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc finished third but faced difficulties with intermediate tyre degradation and balance issues, which affected his pace in the latter stages of the Sprint. Despite these challenges, Leclerc successfully defended his position against McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, who collided on the final lap.
The Singapore Sprint showcased Hamilton’s ability to adapt quickly to changing conditions, particularly on a damp track where tyre management and racecraft are crucial. His goal remains to equal Sebastian Vettel’s record of five wins at the Marina Bay Circuit, a target that adds extra motivation to his efforts in Singapore.
Hamilton’s reflections after the Sprint underline a cautious optimism about Ferrari’s competitiveness, especially in wet conditions where strategy and tyre preservation play a significant role. The team’s approach in Singapore demonstrated that they can contend with their rivals under challenging circumstances, though Hamilton emphasized the need for a stronger qualifying performance to fully capitalize on race opportunities.
Leclerc’s experience in the Sprint highlighted the challenges Ferrari faces with tyre wear and car balance, issues that impacted his ability to maintain pace while defending against McLaren’s late pressure. The collision between Piastri and Norris on the last lap further influenced the final standings, securing Leclerc’s podium position.
Overall, the Singapore Sprint provided valuable insights into driver form and team strategy in wet conditions. Hamilton’s strong start and measured tyre management were key to his runner-up finish, while Leclerc’s resilience kept Ferrari firmly in the top three. The comments from both drivers reflect the ongoing efforts within Ferrari to improve qualifying and race performance in a highly competitive field.