Lewis Hamilton scolds Mercedes engineers at Singapore Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton has hit back at Mercedes for not listening to him ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix. The Mercedes star complained about his intermediate tyres, warning he had "no grip" as he took a slight knock on his mechanics.

Hamilton said, "I told you about those tyres. You'll have to listen to me in the future. No grip." Race engineer Peter Bonnington was heard trying to convince Hamilton of the team's decision ahead of the formation lap.

It happened after Max Verstappen was seen struggling while driving from the pit lane to the grid. The Red Bull star lost control of his car in wet conditions and was forced to reverse on the circuit.

He explained: "Just a piece of information, Verstappen went to the inters. He went straight on the escape lane at turn seven I think, so it looks like the curbs and painted lines are very slippery, especially in turn 21."

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Sky Sports host Ted Kravitz suggested Hamilton start the race with full wet tyres. However, his decision was changed by Mercedes engineers after noticing that everyone had chosen intermediate tyres.

Kravitz added, "I think he got all wet then. He wanted it, and it looks like the team went against him."

Sky Sports commentator David Croft later appeared to confirm that the conversation with Mercedes was about whether to start the race with new or used intermediate tyres. The seven-time champion started the race from third on the grid but was slow off the start and fell behind the Ferrari of Carlos Sainz.

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The pair nearly made contact twice in the first corner, with the Spaniard appearing to push the Mercedes star off the line. Hamilton raised the issue with his mechanics and race control moments after the start. Speaking on team radio, he added: “I got hit by Sainz at the start. He sent me away."

However, Hamilton still looks set to significantly close the gap between him and team-mate George Russell in the Championship. Hamilton was 35 points adrift of Russell heading into the Singapore Grand Prix after incredible consistency from the former Williams driver throughout the season.

But, Russell started the race from the pit lane after the Silver Arrows decided to fit Russell with new engine components.