# Why Hamilton's VSC Strategy Failed

> Hamilton's radio silence on VSC pitting sparked Ferrari's apology.
- Title: Why Hamilton's VSC Strategy Failed · RaceFans | Shortify
- Summary: Hamilton's radio silence on VSC pitting sparked Ferrari's apology. Hamilton skipped pit stop during second Virtual Safety Car period, costing Ferrari points…
- Keywords: lewis hamilton, ferrari, virtual safety car, vsc, mexican grand prix, seattle, nfl, sports, cars, Hamilton's, Strategy, Failed
- Source: RaceFans — https://racefans.net/2026/10/12/why-was-there-no-radio-of-the-vsc-message-which-prompted-hamiltons-apology
- Published: 2026-10-12T11:08:09+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: lewis hamilton, ferrari, virtual safety car, vsc, mexican grand prix, seattle, nfl, sports, cars
## Hamilton's VSC decision
Hamilton skipped pit stop during second Virtual Safety Car period, costing Ferrari points and finishing sixth after team's strategy failed.
## Hamilton's apology
Hamilton admitted his strategy decision ruined his race, finishing sixth after being on course for a podium finish.

> I let you down today with that strategy. My call, and I lost us valuable points.
## Ferrari's response
Ferrari team principal Vasseur confirmed Hamilton missed pit entry despite both drivers being called to pit.
## Onboard footage
Onboard footage shows no conversation between Hamilton and race engineer Carlos Santi about pitting during second VSC period.
## First VSC period
Ferrari told both drivers to stay out during first VSC period with no pitting planned.

> We stay out, stay out. Mode Safety Car.
## Second VSC period
Hamilton stayed out during second VSC period while Leclerc was pitted, but no radio discussion was heard.

> So Antonelli boxed and Hamilton, er, stayed out. Mode Safety Car please.
## FOM muting
Ferrari's radio messages may have been muted on onboard channel, preventing broadcast but not stopping communication.
## Hamilton's struggle
Hamilton struggled with tyres after VSC period, losing positions to Norris and Piastri.
## Final positions
Hamilton finished sixth after team's strategy failed, with Leclerc second and Piastri fifth.

> We finished P6, Max won the race, Charles second, Antonelli third, Norris fourth, Piastri fifth.
## Hamilton's last words
Hamilton apologized for strategy decision, promising to improve next race.

> Sorry boys, I let you down today with that strategy. My call lost us valuable points. I’ll try to make up for it in the next one.
## Key takeaway

Hamilton skipped pit stop during second Virtual Safety Car period, costing Ferrari points and finishing sixth after team's strategy failed.