JUST IN : Lewis Hamilton Skips FIA Press Conference at Singapore GP as Leclerc Steps In… Read more
Lewis Hamilton Skips FIA Press Conference at Singapore GP as Leclerc Steps In
Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton will not be part of the official FIA drivers’ press conference ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, as Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc has been chosen to represent the Scuderia instead.
On Thursday, six drivers will participate in the official media sessions organized by the FIA, where they will field questions from international journalists about their performance expectations and team updates for the upcoming Marina Bay Street Circuit weekend. The first group of drivers scheduled to face the media includes Esteban Ocon, Lando Norris, and George Russell. Later in the day, Leclerc will be joined by Alex Albon and rookie Isack Hadjar.
Hamilton’s omission from the FIA’s official list does not mean the British icon will be absent from the paddock entirely. He is still expected to attend the circuit on Thursday and will likely meet reporters in the media pen, a less formal environment where journalists can still engage with drivers.
The decision comes at a time when Hamilton has been facing a challenging period both personally and professionally. The Ferrari driver missed a pair of important events in recent weeks: the Ferrari Style fashion showcase and the Pirelli tyre test at Mugello. Both absences were attributed to the deteriorating health of his beloved bulldog, Roscoe. Sadly, the 12-year-old pet, a constant companion to Hamilton throughout much of his career, passed away last weekend. The Briton confirmed the heartbreaking news via Instagram a few days later, paying tribute to Roscoe’s presence in his life.
While Hamilton’s focus remains understandably split, Ferrari is placing its media responsibilities in Leclerc’s hands this weekend. The Monegasque will be expected to address questions regarding Ferrari’s struggles and prospects, particularly after a turbulent season in which both drivers have struggled to consistently challenge McLaren and Red Bull.
Elsewhere, the spotlight in Singapore will shine brightly on championship contender Lando Norris. The McLaren star is one of the six drivers chosen for Thursday’s press conference, and with good reason. Norris has emerged as a leading protagonist in the 2025 championship battle, pushing for his first-ever Formula 1 world title.
The Brit finds himself locked in an intense three-way fight for the crown. His main rival is his own team-mate, Oscar Piastri, who currently leads the standings. Norris trails the Australian by 25 points, a gap that remains manageable with seven rounds still to go. However, Norris does have an advantage over Max Verstappen, his long-time rival from the 2024 season. The Dutchman, who won three consecutive titles between 2021 and 2023, now sits 44 points behind Norris as McLaren’s dominance this year has reshaped the balance of power at the front of the grid.
As the media prepares its questions, Norris can expect to be pressed on whether he has the ability to overturn Piastri’s lead in the coming races. McLaren’s consistency has been a defining factor this season, but Singapore’s unique challenges—the heat, humidity, and the unforgiving walls of the Marina Bay Street Circuit—mean nothing can be taken for granted.
For Hamilton, meanwhile, the weekend may serve as a quieter one in terms of media exposure, giving him space to regroup after a difficult personal loss. Yet, his presence in Ferrari red will remain a major talking point, as fans and analysts continue to scrutinize how the veteran adjusts to life with the Scuderia.
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