Lewis Hamilton says a suspension downside forward of the Dash race was the catalyst for a “horrible” day as he dropped out in Q1 at the USA Grand Prix.
Mercedes appeared fast all through the Dash Shootout on Friday night however a yellow flag on Hamilton’s remaining lap prevented him from having an opportunity of setting the quickest time. A largely uncompetitive run to sixth place within the Dash was put all the way down to a suspension challenge, however Hamilton believes there was a difficulty with the automobile’s configuration after that as he completed nineteenth in qualifying.
“It’s been fairly horrible,” Hamilton mentioned. “The automobile felt nice yesterday, so clearly got here actually optimistic for at this time. One thing failed on the entrance suspension actually as we pulled away from the road for the formation lap, and I had that by means of the race. They figured that out, they modified the nook, and it felt like a large number, clearly, by means of qualifying.”
With the Dash weekend taking over a distinct format that provides groups only one apply session, Hamilton mentioned the failure is irritating given the tempo Mercedes has proven.
“I don’t know what the consequence… This shouldn’t occur, and it’s clearly not deliberate,” he mentioned.
“I used to be about to qualify [on] pole yesterday, so it’s not a psychological downside. When the suspension is failing or breaking, and issues aren’t coming collectively, I imply at this time … you’ll need to ask the crew what occurred with the suspension. I do know the fellows are working as onerous as they will; they did the change.
“Any efficiency we deliver is constructive. Unexpectedly [yesterday] we have been wanting actually fast. I don’t know the place that went, however we’ll maintain pushing.”
Hamilton says a fightback drive is unlikely in Sunday’s race, as he’ll begin from 18th on account of Liam Lawson’s grid penalty.
“There’s not going to be quite a bit occurring. I began in karts with a reasonably dangerous go-kart and used to return by means of the sector, so I’ll see if I can try this tomorrow.”
