Lewis Hamilton has disclosed that Ferrari engaged in a "huge discussion" regarding a strategic blunder during the Bahrain Grand Prix, held on October 1, 2023. The team fitted both Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc with slick tyres at the start, misjudging the wet conditions. This decision saw Hamilton drop from second place to nearly the back of the pack, while 14 of the 22 drivers who opted for intermediate tyres gained a significant advantage.

Hamilton staged a remarkable comeback to finish third but expressed concern over being 106 points behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli. He emphasized the need for improvements ahead of the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix, stating, "It wasn't good enough and we've had a huge discussion about it."

In his defense of Ferrari, Hamilton noted the disproportionate criticism the team faces compared to rivals like McLaren, who also made similar tyre choices. He remarked, "We do for some reason as a team get far more flack than anybody else. McLaren made the same mistake and the same call."

Hamilton clarified that the starting tyre choice wasn't solely the strategists' fault, explaining that decisions are made collectively with input from team principal Fred Vasseur and others. He acknowledged the difficulty in making the right call under pressure.

Looking ahead to the Singapore race, Hamilton is optimistic about Ferrari's performance on street circuits, stating, "We're here to attack. Qualifying is key, and it would be really great if we could start tomorrow on the right foot."

Leclerc also expressed hope for success in Singapore, recognizing the track's potential but cautioning against overconfidence. He said, "Historically we've been quite strong here but we cannot really rely on the past."

The Singapore GP Sprint weekend kicks off on October 9, 2023, with practice sessions and qualifying scheduled, marking a crucial opportunity for Ferrari to capitalize on their strengths.