Lewis Hamilton breaks silence on Mercedes bust-up rumours after slamming team following Singapore GP

Lewis Hamilton has clarified claims that he had a bust-up with Mercedes after the Singapore Grand Prix.

Hamilton qualified in third place at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, a position ahead of team-mate George Russell.

But the seven-time world champion was the only driver in the top 10 to start the race on soft tyres, with the rest of the grid on medium tyres.

Hamilton was also called in to pit significantly earlier than his rivals for hard tyres, yet was still overcut by Russell when he came in for hards.

And the Brit lost another two places to Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc, meaning he finished in sixth position.

Hamilton stated at a media event after the Grand Prix that he had pushed to start on mediums, but that the team decided to put him on softs instead.

He then added that he was 'so angry' when he found out the other teams chose mediums.

That sparked rumours of potential discontent between the Silver Arrows and the 39-year-old, who will leave the team at the end of the season to join Ferrari.

But Hamilton has now taken to Instagram to give the true version of events.

He wrote: "Heading into the next weekend focused on training for the next race.

"I know there has been a lot of chat around the last one and our strategy in Singapore which just didn't work. When that happens, it's natural to be frustrated and easy for me to speak out in that frustration.

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"We knew starting on soft tyres was a bold and risky move, but one that could give us an advantage at the start and I ultimately agreed with that recommendation. We also miscalculated what others might do.

"Make no mistake though, things are cool with the team. As with all successful partnerships, you have some lows to have the highs.

"We're not afraid of those tricky conversations and challenging moments, which is why we have achieved so much together.

"We all support each other until the very end. It's all love. See you in Austin."