Sam Bird Defends Lewis Hamilton Amid Fernando Alonso's Brake Fury in Singapore

Despite Fernando Alonso's furious radio rants, former Mercedes test driver Sam Bird has come to Lewis Hamilton's defense, stating that any race driver would have continued on track at the Singapore Grand Prix, even with failing brakes. Hamilton's race saw him battling for a points finish, only to be hampered by significant mechanical issues in the final laps.

Why it matters:

The incident reignited debates surrounding driver safety, track limits, and racing ethics, particularly when a car suffers a critical failure like brake loss. It highlights the fine line drivers walk between competitive instinct and safety regulations, a decision often made in fractions of a second under immense pressure.

The Details:

• Brake Failure: With only a few laps remaining in the Singapore Grand Prix, Hamilton reported to his race engineer Riccardo Adami that he was "losing my brakes," specifically his "left front."
• Decision to Stay Out: Despite the critical failure, Hamilton chose to stay on track. He was over 30 seconds ahead of Fernando Alonso, and a points finish was still within reach.
• Alonso's Reaction: Fernando Alonso was incensed by Hamilton's continued presence on track, arguing the Ferrari SF-25 was unsafe. His radio communication included multiple expletives and questions regarding the safety protocols.
  • Alonso raged, "Is it safe to drive with no brakes?" and questioned the inconsistency of penalties, citing past instances where drivers were penalized for minor issues like a missing mirror.
• Race Outcome: Hamilton crossed the finish line in seventh place, just four-tenths ahead of Alonso. However, a five-second penalty for track limits demoted him to eighth.
• Ferrari's Stance: Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur defended Hamilton's actions, stating the car was safe because Hamilton "adapted pace" by driving slower.
• Sam Bird's Defense: Sam Bird, speaking on BBC Chequered Flag, supported Hamilton's decision. He noted sparks from Hamilton's front-left rim, indicating a disc failure, and stated that he himself would have continued to cross the finish line in such a scenario, leaving decisions to the stewards.

Between the lines:

This incident isn't just about a single race; it reflects the constant tension between a driver's instinct to compete for every possible point and the overarching safety regulations in F1. While Alonso's frustration is understandable from a competitor's perspective, Bird's commentary underscores the inherent 'racer's mentality' where giving up is rarely an option if there's any chance of a result. The FIA's role in adjudicating such complex, split-second decisions is continuously scrutinized, balancing safety with the integrity of the race.

What's next:

While the immediate fallout was a penalty for Hamilton and a heated exchange, this event will likely contribute to ongoing discussions about in-race safety protocols and how critical car failures are managed by both drivers and race control. Such incidents often lead to clarifications or amendments in regulations to prevent similar disputes and ensure driver safety without unduly penalizing a competitor's resolve.