Lewis Hamilton had high hopes for the United States Grand Prix after feeling the impact of the car’s upgrades. “We had good pace, and I was feeling great in the car,” he noted. “It was tough racing those around me as they were so quick, but we can be happy with many things. I feel positive as we’re moving forward, even if reflecting on it we could have possibly won.” Despite the disqualification, Hamilton’s focus remains on the strides made during the weekend.
The disqualification was the result of Lewis Hamilton’s W14’s plank being found below the mandated minimum thickness of 9mm. This infraction also affected Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, but it was Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff who acknowledged that they got it wrong. Wolff explained, “Set-up choices on a Sprint weekend are always a challenge with just one hour of free practice – and even more so at a bumpy circuit like COTA and running a new package.” Despite the setback, Wolff emphasized the need to learn from the experience and return stronger in the next race.
Both Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff believe that there are numerous positives to take away from Mercedes’ performance at the Circuit of The Americas. Wolff emphasized the car’s improved performance in fast, sweeping corners, stating, “The upgrade seems to have made the car happier in those areas, and it is working well. Directionally, it’s a very good sign.” Despite the disqualification, the team remains optimistic about the direction they are heading in terms of car performance.
The disqualification dealt a blow to Lewis Hamilton’s hopes of catching up to Sergio Perez in the Drivers’ standings, with the Red Bull driver’s advantage increasing to 39 points. Nevertheless, Mercedes is determined to build on their progress and bounce back in the upcoming races.
In summary, the United States Grand Prix may have ended in disappointment for Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes due to a post-race disqualification, but they remain steadfast in their belief that the progress made over the weekend is a sign of better things to come. The plank issue may have cost them a podium finish, but the team is determined to learn from their mistakes and continue their pursuit of success in the remaining races of the season.