Lewis Hamilton Excused from Media Duties for FIA Medical Assessment After Gruelling Singapore Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton was excused from all post-race media obligations on Sunday night after reporting feeling unwell following the physically punishing 62-lap Singapore Grand Prix, Ferrari has confirmed.
The 41-year-old seven-time World Champion was sent directly to the FIA medical delegate for evaluation inside the Marina Bay paddock, prompting the governing body to grant him a formal medical exemption from the mandatory post-race press pen.
Physical Toll Under the Marina Bay Lights
The Singapore Grand Prix is widely recognized by drivers and engineers as the most physically arduous test on the Formula 1 calendar, with cockpit temperatures frequently exceeding 50°C (122°F) amid near-total humidity.
Ferrari confirmed the evaluation in an official statement:
“After the race, Lewis felt unwell and has been seen by the FIA medical team. He has been given permission by the FIA to not attend the post-race Media pen.”
The setback comes alongside the physical exhaustion of managing an extended, defensive stint in severe heat.
Strategy Misstep Leads to Costly Late-Race Slide
Hamilton lined up on the second row in third place with podium ambitions, running competitive lap times during the opening phases. However, an aggressive tire gamble proved undoing in the final quarter of the race:
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The Tire Deficit: Electing to stay out on aging soft compound tires rather than pitting for fresh rubber under a Virtual Safety Car, Hamilton found his car virtually defenseless as his grip dropped off dramatically.
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Late Infiltration: Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli and McLaren’s Lando Norris overtook the Ferrari with six laps remaining.
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Piastri’s Charge: Oscar Piastri wiped out a ten-second deficit in just five laps, passing Hamilton with ease to claim fifth and pulling out more than three seconds before crossing the line.
The sequence saw Hamilton tumble from podium contention down to sixth place at the checkered flag, while teammate Charles Leclerc finished second behind race winner Max Verstappen.
‘I Let You Down’: Hamilton Apologizes to the Pit Wall
Taking accountability over the team radio on the cooldown lap, Hamilton openly apologized to his pit wall for making the wrong strategic call:
“Sorry boys, I let you down today with that strategy,” Hamilton acknowledged. “My call and I lost us valuable points. I’ll try and make up for it in the next one.”
The apology marked Hamilton’s second operational mea culpa of the weekend, having also taken the blame during Sprint Qualifying for choosing an isolated track running window that cost him the best track evolution.
For video analysis of the weekend’s events and the medical update, watch Ferrari confirms Hamilton FIA medical check in Singapore, which reports on Hamilton being assessed by medical delegates after the race.