Mercedes deny Hamilton podim shun despite suspicious TV images
Lewis Hamilton took third place in Singapore. Mercedes technical director James Allison denied speculation that the team did not join Hamilton in podium celebrations, clarifying that many members were present but not captured on TV cameras.
The 2023 Singapore Grand Prix saw Carlos Sainz clinch his first ever Formula 1 victory, ending Red Bull's dominant run this season.
Sainz was followed by McLaren's Lando Norris in P2, while Lewis Hamilton secured P3 for Mercedes.
After the race, TV footage appeared to show Hamilton alone on the podium without his Mercedes team members during the celebrations.
This led to speculation that Mercedes had not joined Hamilton.
However, Mercedes' technical director James Allison has denied these claims.
He clarified that a significant number of team personnel were present, but the cameras did not capture them.
"Of course the team was there at the podium to celebrate with Lewis," Allison stated.
"As many of the team as it was practical to get to the podium were there because we enjoy it."
He explained that some team members had to remain in the garage to receive George Russell's car from the marshals after his late crash.
But the rest cheered Hamilton on at the podium, pleased with his first podium of the season.
"Showing all of the overjoyed Ferrari and McLaren faces was very high up the list of things that made for good TV," Allison added, indicating why Mercedes may have received less screen time.
Regardless, Hamilton's podium will come as a boost to the team after a difficult 2023 season so far.
Allison described Russell as "inconsolable" post-race despite finishing P4. But he took ownership of his error that denied a potential Mercedes 2-3.
With five races left, Mercedes will be eager to build on this result. Hamilton's pace in Singapore proves the team still has potential to compete at certain circuits.
They will look to fight at the front again in Japan to ignite a late-season resurgence.
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