Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, expressed disappointment after a challenging qualifying session in Miami resulted in him missing out on Q3 and qualifying in 13th place. The Mercedes driver admitted that securing a place in Q3 was only a “50/50 chance” for him and the team, highlighting the competitiveness of the qualifying hour.
Hamilton’s frustration was evident as he was heard on team radio expressing that it was too late for him to have been sent out for a final flying run in Q2, leaving him without enough time to achieve the optimal tire temperature for his last lap.
Speaking to Sky Sports F1 after the session, Hamilton described the difficulties he encountered during the session, noting the need for perfect laps given the team’s lack of pace. He highlighted issues with the car’s performance and the challenge of finding a rhythm on the evolving track. While there were moments where he felt the car was performing well, Hamilton acknowledged the overall struggle.
Qualifying in the back end of the top 10 in Q1, Hamilton found himself at the back of the pack in Q2. Attempting to get the tire temperatures right, he ended up as the last one in the queue, which resulted in everyone slowing down in the final corner, causing him to lose tire temperature and the opportunity to complete a lap.
Qualifying in the seventh row is an unfamiliar position for Hamilton, given his illustrious career in Formula 1. He expressed the belief that Mercedes needed to manage his time better during the session, ensuring an earlier exit from the garage for his final lap and securing a banker time.
Acknowledging that his chances of making it into the top 10 were not guaranteed from the outset, Hamilton remains uncertain about where he will end up in the race on Sunday. Despite the setback, he is determined to keep a positive mindset and work his way through the field, striving for a strong finish.
Hamilton’s teammate, George Russell, secured a sixth-place starting position for the race, adding a glimmer of positivity for the Mercedes team. With Red Bull’s Sergio Perez starting on pole and Fernando Alonso alongside him on the front row, Sunday’s race promises to be an exciting challenge for Hamilton as he aims to showcase his overtaking prowess and make his way up the grid.
As the lights go out on race day, Hamilton will focus on regaining his form and pushing the boundaries to secure a strong result, determined to overcome the adversity he faced in qualifying and demonstrate his racing prowess in the Miami Grand Prix.
