P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Hamilton: 2024 Mercedes F1 car has "spikes" of promise that "disappear"
Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time F1 world champion, was unexpectedly eliminated in Q2 before the Australian Grand Prix, despite previously securing eight pole positions in Melbourne. His team-mate George Russell edged him out in the top 10 shootout by a mere 0.05 seconds. Hamilton attributed the challenges to the increased winds during qualifying that made the W15 car highly unpredictable, reminiscent of its past ground-effect predecessors. Despite the setbacks, he remains hopeful that improvements can be made to enhance the car’s consistency and competitiveness. Hamilton expressed his dedication to the team, emphasizing the collective effort needed to overcome the current obstacles. While he faced initial difficulties in matching Russell’s performance, Hamilton’s experimental approach to set-up variations demonstrates his commitment to finding solutions and optimizing the W13 for improved results.
