Peter Windsor described how Lewis Hamilton wanted to change tires during the race, but found there were no medium tires left. Windsor was surprised by the conversation on the radio where Hamilton asked about switching to soft tires. The team advised against it, believing the softs wouldn’t last. Hamilton then questioned why he couldn’t use mediums, only to learn there were none available. Windsor criticized the team for not sorting this out before the race, pointing out that they should have known their tire inventory.
As a result, Hamilton continued on hard tires. After a pitstop, he initially found himself ahead of his teammate George Russell due to a mistake Russell made at the second chicane. However, Russell managed to reclaim third position and secure a podium finish. Windsor felt this was unfair, arguing that Hamilton lost out on a podium spot solely because the team lacked medium tires. Windsor lamented that Hamilton, who had been performing well, could have finished third if not for the tire issue.
Despite this setback, the hard tires performed well, and Hamilton achieved the fastest lap of the race. Windsor noted Hamilton’s efforts, expressing surprise that Russell managed to pass him. Hamilton ultimately finished fourth, leaving him 14 points behind Russell in the Drivers’ Championship standings.
