The admission that Lewis Hamilton “didn’t do the job” resulted in a “domino effect” that had significant implications on his performance during the qualifying session in Las Vegas.
During the session, Hamilton demonstrated exceptional speed, particularly in Q2 where he was the fastest of all drivers with a time of 1:32.567, surpassing his competitors by a tenth of a second. However, his performance took a turn for the worse in Q3, where he made two critical errors that ultimately led to a 10th place finish.
Despite Mercedes’ overall strong performance in Las Vegas, with George Russell securing pole position, Hamilton struggled to capitalize on the W15’s pace when it mattered most. His first error occurred during his initial flying lap when the rear axle of his Mercedes failed to engage, forcing him to abort the lap and head to the escape area. After quickly recovering, he returned to the pits for new tires.
Hamilton’s second mistake came during his second run, as he lost control of the car while navigating Turn 2, nullifying his chances of improving his position. As a result, he finished in 10th place, a far cry from his potential pole position.
In post-qualifying interviews, Hamilton expressed disappointment in his performance, acknowledging that he had failed to fulfill his obligations. Despite his struggles, he remained optimistic about his speed and performance on the track.
Hamilton attributed his errors to the challenging conditions of the track, particularly with regards to tire management. He admitted that his decision to conduct a preparation lap may have been a mistake, leading to a series of events that ultimately cost him a better qualifying position.
The reigning seven-time F1 World Champion also highlighted the uncertainty surrounding Mercedes’ performance, particularly in Q3 where the car seemed to behave differently. He speculated that changes in track conditions, such as temperature, may have contributed to the instability he experienced during the session.
Despite his disappointment with the result, Hamilton maintained a positive outlook, emphasizing the importance of learning from his mistakes and preparing for future opportunities. He acknowledged the strong performance of his teammate, George Russell, who secured pole position, and reiterated his commitment to improving his own performance in the upcoming races.
In conclusion, Lewis Hamilton’s struggles during the qualifying session in Las Vegas serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of Formula 1 racing. While setbacks are inevitable, Hamilton’s resilience and determination to overcome challenges will undoubtedly play a key role in his pursuit of success in future races.
